Start With Just One Habit

Many people find that picking one habit to start with makes it easier to stick. Trying several new habits at once can feel like a lot.

Think of a single path through grass. The more you walk it, the clearer it gets.

Choose something small and specific, like a five-minute walk after dinner. Vague goals, like moving more, make it hard to tell when you are done.

Write the habit down with its time and place. Then you can spot it on a busy day.

Ask your care team if a walk fits your health and daily life.

Automatic means you do the habit most days without reminding yourself. It starts to feel like part of your day. Once it does, you can add one more habit.

Sources differ on timing, so there is no set number of days. Many suggest giving a habit a few weeks before adding another.

Key takeaways

• One habit repeated often is easier to keep than several at once.
• Choose something small and specific, with a set time and place.
• Write it down, and add the next habit only after the first feels automatic.

Try it

Pick one small habit for after dinner, then write down its time and place.