Focus today on one thing you want to change about your daily habits.

It can be really small as long as it’s concrete, and it can be just for the day if that’s all you’re up for.  For example, if you think you tend to eat too much for dinner, then just for today, eat a smaller portion.  Easy.

If you’re up for more of a challenge, think about targeting something longer term.

Spend some time thinking about what’s realistic, then develop goals and a plan of action.  (For more on goal setting, feel free to jump ahead to Set a Realistic Goal!)

Research shows that having a specific plan for resisting the temptation of a bad habit is the key to success.

It’s best if the plan involves an “incompatible alternative behavior.”  That’s a psychologist’s way of saying that you need to have a new habit or behavior to substitute for the habit you’re trying to break.  Ideally, the new behavior is “incompatible” with the habit you’re trying to break–in other words, you can’t do both at the same time.

To learn more about the science behind breaking bad habits and building healthy habits, check out  The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg.

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