Happy New Year! Today is the day many people decide to start a new habit—the classic New Year’s resolution. I hate to burst your bubble, but I don’t do New Year’s resolutions.
I’ve never been into them. Why? Well, if something isn’t important enough to start right away, then maybe it’s not that important after all.
Want to lose a few pounds? Start that book you’ve been wanting to write? Begin a daily habit of journaling? Why wait until New Year’s Day?
The best approach I’ve found for starting something new is simply to start. Don’t pick a special starting date—New Year’s or otherwise. Just decide what you want to do and then do it.
Also, don’t get trapped in the cycle of analysis paralysis. I’ve fallen into that pit more times than I can count. It gets you nowhere—it’s just a stall tactic.
The best thing you can do to build a new habit is to start small and start now. No waiting and no elaborate planning. That only slows you down.
Once you start, celebrate the small wins. Every time you follow through, acknowledge it. If you want to do something nice for yourself, go ahead—just don’t go overboard with the rewards.
As you rack up those habitual wins, stretch yourself by doing a little more next time. You’ll be amazed at your progress over time.
If you miss a day, don’t beat yourself up. Extend yourself some grace, learn from the slip, and make the adjustments needed to get back on track.
Stop waiting and start today. You’ll be glad you did.
—Daniel