If you've decided on New Year's to, for example, lose 12 kilograms in the new year, there's a chance that you may have already thrown in the towel by now. How can it happen that, in spite of your sincere goodwill and conviction that this was an achievable plan, you lose the courage to persevere?
That's because change is not always that simple; it often involves breaking a habit that you have been practicing for a long time. And often people set ambitious goals in their enthusiasm, sometimes as big as, let's say, an elephant.
But, how do you best eat that elephant? Well, it's actually simple, and to use the well-known joke: bit by bit, with small bites! Instead of overwhelming yourself with a massive challenge, it's wiser to start with manageable goals. Whether it's building a healthier lifestyle, pursuing career goals, or acquiring new skills, it all begins with small steps that can help you bring about change. So you could start by resolving to lose 2 kilos in January, then another kilo in February, and in small steps you will eventually get to where you would like to be.
By setting small goals for yourself, you not only avoid feeling overwhelmed, but you also engage a powerful ally: dopamine. Dopamine is also known as the 'happiness hormone' and is released when you take successful steps and achieve your goal. It's the natural reward that gives you a sense of satisfaction and joy, keeping you motivated to continue on the path towards the ultimate goal.
By consistently setting small, achievable goals for yourself, you create repeated opportunities to achieve them and then experience a sense of happiness. This not only strengthens your perseverance but also makes the process of tackling that elephant more enjoyable.
Noortje Bloch