Lose Weight ... Work Out More ... Cut Back on Spending ... Get a Financial Plan – Sound familiar?
We all start with strong resolve and we are determined to crack the nut this time. But then what happens?
The Willpower Trap
Funny that this runs contra to everything we’ve previously been told: If we just have enough willpower we’ll be able to make that change … almost overnight. And yet that’s not the typical result.
Are we really that weak in our resolve? Behavioral science says “No”.
Willpower alone is not the key ingredient, and our thinking that it should be often creates a new dilemma, instead of getting us to our goal. So best to avoid that trap.
Change Your Game for Success: Create a Supportive Environment
If you think about it there are often external “forces” that affect our behaviors ... even when we’re trying so hard to stay on course. If spending is your issue, think about what makes you break-down and fall back on old patterns.
It could be a moment of weakness. Are you hungry, tired, or stressed? These emotion-driven factors will dissolve your resolve in a heartbeat. So in order to improve your odds, stop ... and ask yourself:
Are there ways you can prevent those “triggers”, so the temptation to "slip” is reduced or removed?
Are there other external factors e.g. people or messages that lead you down the slippery slope?
For example: The friend with a limitless budget who says after lunch: “Let’s go shopping” … and you’re off and running?
You get the picture. The more of these resolve-breakers you can identify - and strategize ahead of time to control – the more you increase your chance of success.
Along these lines you can see why a buddy, coach and/or support group are powerful support tactics to augment your journey towards a new habit. Take a look at your specific situation; assess; strategize and start fresh.
What are some new tactics that you can adopt?
The Good News About Repetition
Repetition is also understood to be integral to developing a new habit (similar to when we "practice" to become better at playing a musical instrument, playing a sport or learning a language). Previous convention held that in order to instill a new habit one should repeat that activity for a minimum of 28 consecutive days. It is now understood that at least 40 - 60 days of repetition is what it takes.
However, there is some good news: Studies show that even if you slip several times (and then quickly get back on track) when you’re first trying on the new behavior, your chance of success is not diminished. So if you fall off that wagon, just quickly get back on -without the guilt - and start over.
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