Small changes can make a big difference.
Each of us – doctors included – can do something to improve our physical health. It might be increasing our fitness level with more exercise or maintaining a healthy weight by being more mindful of what we eat.
Yet change can be intimidating. It’s hard for many to adapt to the constant change in our world. It’s harder still to initiate positive changes in our own behaviour.
One reason is the comfort of inertia. Even if we’re not totally happy with the way things are, it consumes more energy to make an effort.
Another is the seemingly overwhelming chasm between where we are and where we’d like to be. It’s hard to see yourself in the future with washboard abs when looking down now you can’t even see your toes.
Becoming a nonsmoker may seem impossible if you’re smoking two packs per day. Going to the gym five days a week is an incredible leap for those who are sedentary.
To reduce the intimidation – and your own procrastination – of a significant goal, break it down into more doable mini-goals. It will be like eating mini donuts; before you know it, you’ve consumed more calories than those of a full-sized donut.
So take that first little step – or bite – towards the place you’d like to be. Try out a small change this week, see how you feel and then decide where you’ll step next.
A little bite won’t hurt – if we’re not talking about junk food, poison apples, rabies, malaria or other infectious diseases.
Next: Making One Small Change Towards a Healthier Diet