Here's how to stick to those new year's resolutions, and change your life for the better
Sometimes it can feel harder to start and stick to good habits than to break bad ones. But establishing good practices and taking the initiative to improve your life, one small daily habit at a time, can lead to profound long-term changes and a deep sense of satisfaction, especially in this day and age, living in such extraordinary times under unpredictable circumstances.
Tatler Asia talked to top psychologists, behavioural experts and life coaches to find out exactly how you can go about cultivating and adhering to good habits. Here's their expert advice.
Set smart goals and tell people about them
"When we set goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timely, we are more likely to get rid of bad habits and establish better ones," says Dr Alan Chu, assistant professor and chair of the sport, exercise, and performance psychology program at the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay. "For instance, instead of saying 'I will use less social media,' say 'I will use social media on weekdays only between 6 and 8 pm for 20 minutes at the most.' These SMART goals should progress gradually, meaning that people should not set goals to do things that are completely opposite to what they do right away, such as run three miles every day after having never run in the past five years. Research has shown that writing our goals down, posting them physically, such as on a fridge or desk, or telling friends and family about them help increase accountability and the likelihood of sticking with better habits."
See also: How to Feel Better in 5 Minutes Flat