Dear Reader,
Many people think that changing a behavior is all about willpower. I might say, "I'm going on a no-carb diet this month, and by gum, I'm sticking to it!" I make a strong commitment in the hope that my willpower will sustain me day after day. While such intensity may spur me on at the beginning, my willpower is unlikely to get me through more than the first few days of my new diet.
Research shows, however, that people who do have healthy habits aren't really using all that much willpower or conscious effort. On the contrary, they've learned to put their positive behaviors on autopilot, so that willpower becomes a moot point. What may begin as a conscious commitment motivated by specific goals gradually becomes behaviors they engage in without much thought or effort.
How does this shift to autopilot happen? What follows are three steps to change that have helped me and many of my patients establish healthy habits. By preparing and planning for a new habit — and giving ourselves time to organically grow that habit — we can set ourselves up for success.
3 steps to change: - Why? Really think about why you want to change.
- What? Identify exactly what it is that you want to change.
- How? Map out how you will change with small, realistic steps.
As you strive to establish healthy new habits, give yourself ample credit for each and every achievement. You did your five pushups for the day? Tell yourself, "Heck, yeah!" By promoting the good feelings that come with practicing good habits, you’ll make those habits more rewarding.
Yours in good health,
Stephen Kopecky, M.D. Author of Live Younger Longer | 
