Habit Hack #3: Start Small
As we approach New Year’s resolution season, I’m sharing five hacks that might help you create and stick with new habits in 2022. Below is habit hack number three…
#3: Start Small
One of the mistakes people make when starting a new habit is going too big, too soon.
Think of any new habit like brushing your teeth. You don’t win by brushing for two hours on January 1. You win by brushing consistently each day. Even if you miss a day or brush quickly, your goal is consistency.
For example, when exercising, you can solve for duration, intensity, or consistency. Solve for consistency. Don’t try to complete the longest or the hardest workout (the equivalent of brushing for two hours). Set a goal of doing whatever workout you will do tomorrow and the next day and the day after that. A few ideas to help you keep up a workout:
Start with a slow, easy warmup. If you’re going to run, start by walking. If you’re going to walk fast, start by walking slowly. Most people have the most trouble just starting a workout, so give yourself permission to ease into it.
Watch Netflix or something you enjoy while using the exercise bike, elliptical, or stair machine. Don’t worry about your speed. Just enjoy the time.
Find a friend and go for a walk.
Keep it short. Until you begin to build a habit, keep your exercise routine to something that feels easy.
Remember, the win is coming back and repeating your routine the next day.
This is part three in my five-part series on habits. Read the next post here.