Take one day at a time, appreciate how far you’ve come in the last year and what a year it has been! These unprecedented times have challenged us mentally, physically and emotionally. As you reflect on the last year, identify where you were, recognise what you have achieved and above all be kind to yourself. Remember that life is a journey rather than a destination!
Begin with tiny adjustments as Rome wasn’t built in a day- instead of trying to change everything in one day make small and effective adjustments over time. Start small and you are more likely to maintain it. No matter how insignificant the change appears to be, it will have a huge impact over time. Small, slow and consistent steps are the key to success.
Identify all of your triggers and obstacles- ensure that you are aware of triggers and obstacles, this will require a period of self-reflection. When you start to form a habit there might be not so good/bad days but you want to avoid returning to bad habits. Replace your fail safe not so good habit with a new strategy e.g a relaxation technique rather than reaching for a glass of vino ( don’t get me wrong there is nothing wrong with a glass with a vino, only when it becomes a poor choice of habit). This can then have a negative impact upon your life.
Celebrate your small wins- this will provide you with motivation and prevent you spiraling into an old habit. When you reward yourself for making progress it stimulates the reward process of your brain and motivates you to do better boosting your empowerment. I like to set daily tasks, a weekly goal that is often achieved providing the small tasks have been met. This then often allows monthly goals to be met and you move forward with purpose and integrity as you develop a sens of empowerment.
