Change That Lasts

Our brains are set up for us not to want to change. That is why we break our resolutions every year. Parade had a good article this past Sunday. (See: Make Changes That Last, by Dan and Chip Heath, page 6) I learned that the emotional side they call the elephant is fighting with the rational side they call the rider. Guess who wins?? That is why we don't change. The only hope for lasting change is to get the elephant to want to do what the rider wants. But how??

Here are tips to make lasting change. Keep it small and simple.

*Cleaning a problem? Set a timer and clean like crazy for 5 minutes. Then stop. Commit to only doing five minutes.
*Procrastination your issue? Commit to getting only 80% done. then go back to it later to get 80% of what needs to get done. By the 3rd time it should be close enough to done for most things or it easy to finish off.
*Cant exercise regularly? just try 10 minutes a day. Park farther. Go to the mall and walk end to end. When at the airport walk up and down the concourse. Waiting for someone? pace the halls or the parking lot.
*Also for exercise: Get a pedometer (they have them at the dollar store) and just start keeping track of steps and you will walk more, then email and compete with a buddy. What is measured improves, or more precisely: "That which is measured improves. That which is measured and reported improves exponentially." Pearson's Law.
*Be specific and SMART about your goal: I have my goal size 10 jeans hanging on my closet door that I want to wear in June. I see them every day. Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time bound =SMART goals.
*Celebrate little victories. Reward yourself.
*Make your environment support your goals. Get rid of food that isn't a part of your plan or move the TV if is stopping you from your exercise. Our only TV is in kitchen, where I have to stand and can either cook or clean. No place to sit and veg out.

"Change isnt an event; it is a process" (Chip and Dan Heath)