I don’t care what changes you’re trying to make in your life, breaking habits is hard. Our behaviors are deeply ingrained and rewiring them takes effort. But when it comes to issues of health—especially as we age—the stakes are higher, and the need becomes greater.
When you’re trying to make a shift, don’t just focus on what you want to stop. Focus on what you want to start instead. For example, if you’re a couch potato who wants to start exercising, you’re not going to begin by running a marathon. Instead, here are a few steps to consider:
- Identify the behavior you want to change
- Choose a new habit or behavior you want to build
- Write down why this change matters to you
- Start tiny (smaller than you think)
- Celebrate progress and build momentum slowly
The thought of eliminating something you’ve done for decades might feel jarring, like a sudden train derailment. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Think of it as a gentle off-ramp that leads to a new, scenic route of a better life.
