• We start out really, really easily, so it isn’t
intimidating.
• We focus on enjoyable activities, so we don’t
need “discipline”.
• We have two months to do the habit change,
so if something comes up, it’s but a small
bump in the road. And because we’re publicly committed, we’re going to get back on
track.
• We have a very specific plan with actions
built in, using proven habit change techniques.
If you stick with the above method, you’ll do
much better at keeping your New Year’s Resolutions than in the past. You’ll focus on creating
long-lasting habits rather than trying to reach a
short-term goal that fails. You’ll maintain your
enthusiasm for longer and not become overwhelmed by the difficulty of change. You’ll have
habits that will change your life, and that’s no
small feat.
So how does the 6 Changes method work? It’s
simple!
• Pick 6 habits for the new year.
• Pick 1 of the 6 habits to start with.
• Commit as publicly as possible to creating
this new habit in 2 months.
• Break the habit into 8 baby steps, starting
with a ridiculously easy step. Example: if you
want to floss, the first step is just to get out a
piece of floss at the same time each night.
• Choose a trigger for your habit – something
already in your routine that will immediately precede the habit. Examples: eating
breakfast, brushing your teeth, showering,
waking up, arriving at the office, leaving the
office, getting home in the evening.
• Do the first, really easy baby step for one
week, right after the trigger. Post your progress publicly. (Read more.)
• Each week, move on to a slightly harder
step. You’ll want to progress faster, but don’t.
You’re building a new habit. Repeat this until you’ve done 8 weeks.
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