Regardless of whether it's about starting to exercise, eating healthier or stopping from working on the sly in the evenings, it's time to take hold of your new good habits before the fall.
The reason is the so-called new start effect, which means that we succeed better with behavioral changes when there is some form of new start, according to Siri Helle.
Many take the opportunity to make a lifestyle change after Christmas and New Year, but then many are completely exhausted after all the celebrations and quite broke. In August, on the other hand, one often has new energy and feels like a blank slate.
After the vacation, it's common for many to make major lifestyle changes, such as changing jobs or applying for divorce.
It's just because you've had plenty of time to reflect on how you want your life to be, unlike during Christmas and New Year when a thousand things are happening.
How you succeed
However, there are several things to consider in order to succeed with a lifestyle change in the long run.
A common mistake is that you should change everything at once. Rather, sit down and write a list of things you want to change and choose one or two of the points.
Another tip is to change the environment, it's enough to just rearrange the furniture.
It can also be physical environment. If you work from home, check if you can find a shared office or vice versa. It should really give this feeling of a new start.
Plan for failure
At least as important, however, is to plan for potential failure.
There will be days like that, so ask yourself now what can make you give up. Make a plan for what you should do if you get stressed or come home and are tired. If you can't exercise, maybe you can take a walk instead.
Studies show that then you are more resilient when it happens. Otherwise, it's very easy to think "I knew it would go wrong" if you fail once, you smoke a cigarette at a party and think "well, that was it".
Amanda Åström/TT
Facts: Tips for succeeding with new good habits
TT
1. Choose 1-2 concrete habits. They should be so concrete that you can start with them tomorrow. Not "eat healthier" but "eat vegetables with every meal".
2. Change the environment, not just behavior. Move the desk, change the note-taking app. It gives the feeling of a new start!
3. Have a ceremony. Make a ritual of pouring out the liquor bottles, lighting a candle or otherwise marking your new beginning.
4. Visualize your success. Check off the wall calendar or tick off continuously in the app.
5. Plan for failure. Ask yourself now: "What could make me stop?" Make a plan for rain, tiredness or lack of time.
