I know from working with clients that eating well and living well gets results fast. I can’t say specifically how it will show up for you, but it might be that your energy levels increase, you sleep better, your skin starts to glow – or even lose a few pounds. Your friends will wonder what your new regime is!
But healthy habits don’t just happen overnight. They need time and persistence. Studies have shown it takes time for a new habit to become the default choice.
Keep in mind the 3 / 6 / 36 rule:
3 weeks to break a habit.
6 weeks to create a new habit.
36 weeks for the new habit to become a default habit.
The good news is that, since habits are just a series of repetitive actions you practically do on autopilot, you can teach yourself – over time - to do something else instead.
The first job is to become aware of what needs to change. That might be too many snacks, not enough water, too much wine sneaking into the week. Instead of bowling in with ‘I need to change everything immediately’, often what can help is by making a micro-commitment. This is a healthy commitment so tiny that you literally cannot fail at doing it. Like drinking three glasses of water or having an extra two veggies at dinner. Just start with one thing and repeat over and over. These micro-commitments, although small, have a huge impact over time because of psychology.
The way the brain works is it loves winning at this one thing, and that encourages you to make another micro-commitment, and then another. Do you notice how quickly time goes by? In a few months, by stealth, you will have built up a bank of successes that will move your health forward. Breaking the bigger, really ingrained habits and having them release their grip on you takes time, persistence, and the accountability to change.
If you need some help, you know where I am.
