Want a big change? Let's start with baby steps.

For the New Year, for a birthday, or just for a whim, how many times do we think about making big changes in our lives? We set big goals like "I'm definitely going to lose weight this time!", "I'm going to exercise every morning from now on!", "I'm going to clean out that old closet at home and then look back." But what really happens? After two or three days, maybe a week, all that enthusiasm fades and we just go back to our old ways, right? Has this happened to you? In fact, this is a common experience for many of us. So why does this happen? Why do we set our sights on a big goal and then fall behind halfway? Let's talk about this a little bit.

Why do people fall when they try to jump big?

The reason for this is very simple. Our brains are designed to avoid things that are difficult, complex, or painful. It's a natural mechanism that helps us survive. Imagine, what would happen if you suddenly decided to lose 20 kilos, stopped eating everything you drank, and started working out for two hours a day, sweating it out? The first two or three days are very difficult for your body and mind. It hurts. It's boring. Your brain remembers this experience as something 'bad'. Then it doesn't want to do it again. The result? You give up on that goal.

So the solution to this is not to take a big leap all at once. Instead, take baby steps . Like a baby starting to walk, slowly, one step at a time, moving forward.

How do you get things done with these 'small steps'?

Okay, so let's see how exactly this method works. You can use this for any of your goals.

1. Start lightheartedly, happily

The first step you take should be something easy, small, and fun. It shouldn't be a burden to you to do it.

• Example: If you want to start exercising, don't try to run 5 kilometers on the first day. Instead, start by saying, "I'm going to walk around the yard for 10 minutes today, listening to my favorite songs ." That's easy, right?

2. Cut the road to success.

Put aside big, vague goals. Instead, set a very specific, small goal that you feel you can "definitely do."

• Example: "I'm going to lose 10 kilos" is a big, vague goal. Instead, think: "I'm going to drink one cup of unsweetened tea out of the three cups I drink a day." This is something you can do. Once you do it for a few days in a row, you'll feel good about yourself. Then you can move on to the next small step. Maybe cutting back on the amount of rice you eat at night.

3. Be aware of yourself.

We all have strengths and weaknesses. We need to be honest with ourselves. Instead of fighting your weaknesses, use your strengths to set goals .

• Example: If you're a lazy person, would joining a group of friends for a 5 a.m. run work for you? Probably not. Instead, plan to do it in the evening when it's convenient for you and when you're active.

4. Find 'micro-moments'

Think about the little things you can do throughout the day to help you achieve a bigger goal. Even a few seconds are worth it. These are called 'micro moments'.

• Examples:
• If you need more exercise, use the stairs instead of the elevator at the office or shopping mall.
• If you want to improve your relationship with your partner, put your phone aside when he or she is talking, look him or her in the eye, and listen.
• If you want to increase your water intake, always keep a bottle of water on your desk.

5. Be consistent.

It is said that it takes about 3 weeks (21 days) for a new habit to become familiar to our body and mind. So, you need to be patient. Don't expect big results overnight. Write down your small victories in a diary or a note on your phone. It will be a great encouragement for you.

6. Give yourself a gift and be happy.

This is the most important thing. We are very good at blaming ourselves when we fail to achieve a goal. But we forget to celebrate even the smallest victory. This celebration is very important to give your brain a signal to repeat that good habit.

• Examples:
• If you've been going for a walk in the evening for a few days in a row, download some new songs you like.
• If you've cut back on coffee for a week, treat yourself to a nice new mug to sip on some fragrant herbal tea.

See this table to further explain the difference between these two methods.

So, the next time you're thinking about making a change in your life, don't try to change the world all at once. Start slowly. Be kind to yourself. Celebrate even the smallest victory. If you do that, over time, those small steps will add up and bring about a big change in your life that you never dreamed possible.

Baby steps, achieving goals, good habits, life changes, mental health, baby steps, habit formation