With the end of another year closing, it can be an exciting time, perfect for a fresh start with new beginnings. Most people are ready to take on new challenges and finally begin to ditch old habits that aren’t helping to progress towards goals. When starting a new habit, it’s imperative to say so long to some of the current ones you have. 

Firstly, why is “the old” so appealing, anyway?

Current routines make you feel comfortable. This often includes relationships, food choices, and exercise routines. Deep down, a part of you knows that just because these habits have been a security blanket in the past doesn’t mean they are serving you anymore. Predictability can be the coziest feeling in the world, but it’s essential to ask if you are growing from it. 

How to Ditch Old Habits and Adopt Better Ones

How do you know it’s time to come out of your security blanket and leap into the scary world of change?

Well, I say THIS IS YOUR SIGN. 

And no, I don’t mean to wait until Monday or January 1st. 

What are the benefits of starting something new? (Today!)

Starting something unfamiliar will challenge you in new ways. You have to adapt and make different plans if you want to be successful. I say, “Embrace the new!”

Small changes will get your mind used to the idea. At some point, you will feel less worried and enjoy the experience!

Adopt a new way of approaching and integrating your fitness habits into your life. Start by changing small things, like what you eat for breakfast or adding strength training to your workout routine.

Don’t wait. Go for it. The time is now – celebrate the new and see the changes you deserve. Here is how you can ditch old habits and adopt better ones because you don’t have to change your life to do better.

Don’t Believe The Myths!

So many people think that making changes means you must overhaul your life fully with severe restrictions and strict rules to see results. Nothing couldn’t be further from the truth. If you feel overwhelmed before you begin, you won’t see success. 

Let’s take changing and improving your health, and this only requires two main steps:

• Make small but strategic choices
• Be consistent

Many habits that we do are built into our lifestyle already. We may not give them the importance and focus they deserve, but they make a big difference in improving our health when done consistently.

Instead of Eating Out – Start Cooking 

You can still prepare healthy meals even if you aren’t a star chef. If you can chop lettuce and cut vegetables, you know how to make a salad. If you can put oatmeal in the microwave or blend a “super shake,” you know how to make breakfast. Or even if you’re a slow cooker expert, you can make a healthy, cheap dinner. 

These skills qualify as cooking and are the building blocks of more advanced techniques. The things you can cook may not be the healthiest yet, but you can change that as you learn more about nutrition and how to make better choices when preparing a meal.

Cooking is a game-changer because you control how healthy and nutritious you want to cook and what you enjoy eating.

The strategies and recipe ideas in the free ‘3 Ways To Thrive Guide‘ will point you in the right direction. The planner also includes a “how-to” worksheet to help you create healthy meals and make meal planning easy.

Don’t Call it Exercise – Focus on Having Fun.

The best part of exercising is that you don’t need to be there if you hate the gym! Lifting weights is a great workout, but if it’s not your favorite, try something you do naturally, like gardening, playing soccer with your kids, or even cranking the tunes and dancing in your kitchen.

The best activity is the one you love and you do consistently. It may not seem like much in the beginning, but every move you make adds up to more each day. It doesn’t have to be hard or “all or nothing.”

Don’t Do It Alone – Make It Social

You have tried to tackle new things by yourself, and the lack of confidence holds you back. Starting something new without the support of someone else can be pretty daunting. So if you know you will benefit from the help of others, maybe try some of these ideas:

• Ask a coworker, friend, or family member to walk with you
• Meet a trusted friend at the grocery store to show you how to make better food choices
• Hire a trainer, coach, or nutritionist to hold you accountable or a program like mine to guide you through the process and keep you accountable.

When it comes to making healthy lifestyle choices having external support that holds you accountable is crucial to achieving your goals. Ditch the old habit and adopt better ones; your friends might also embrace that change.

Instead of “Whenever,” – Schedule It

When you have a doctor’s appointment, you probably put it on your phone calendar. Think about what a game-changer it would be to block out specific times to work on the new habits that you’re creating. You wouldn’t just show up to your doctor’s appointment because you’re “so tired,” so make yourself an absolute priority as well. Non-negotiable time blocks will help you stay consistent and accountable. 

For example:

• Add cooking a healthy dinner on Sunday night to your organizer
• Schedule a workout with your friend on Thursday morning
• Set an alert on your electronic device at the same time each day to help you get in those ten lunges

It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Little steps and consistency lead to lifestyle changes over time that gets you the results you want to achieve.

Ask What Small Changes Can I Make Today?

Today is the perfect time to start. Check out these easy-to-implement ideas:

• Cut up extra vegetables when cooking Sunday night’s dinner so you will have healthy snacks readily available for the week
• Park further away from the grocery store next time you go shopping and walk a little more
• Schedule a yoga class with a friend instead of meeting for a glass of wine

Remember, you don’t have to do all these steps at once. Build on the things you are already doing and do a little more over time to achieve results.

Ready For the Next Step to Ditch Old Habits and Adopt New Ones?

This free guide will help you kickstart your health in midlife to tap into Intermittent Fasting and Pilates, sculpting a stronger, leaner body and boosting your energy.

If you want to get in better shape and improve your health, I would love to help! I know that small changes lead to significant results. The best gift you can give yourself in this time of change is the confidence to regain control of your health and happiness.