medawyn Posted September 25, 2017 Share Posted September 25, 2017 I'm thinking voluntary lifestyle changes here, like diet or schedule. Do you just go all in and make radical changes? Or do you set your desired end goal and break it into smaller pieces? Does your approach change if it just affects you or affects kids/family, too? What's worked for sustaining said change in your life? Just pondering my options. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparklyUnicorn Posted September 25, 2017 Share Posted September 25, 2017 I have always hog wild made radical changes. They never stuck. This time around I made changes more gradually and this has been the longest I have stuck with them. I think everyone is different though so I'm not saying this is "the" way that it should be done always. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparklyUnicorn Posted September 25, 2017 Share Posted September 25, 2017 To add, another thing that has worked better for me is not swearing off anything forever. I allow less than ideal from time to time. I don't think it usually has to be all or nothing (unless maybe if we are talking about something like addiction). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
regentrude Posted September 25, 2017 Share Posted September 25, 2017 (edited) Depends on the kind of change. Cutting bread? Cold turkey. Cutting coffee? Slow weaning over a few days to avoid physical withdrawal symptoms. Schedule? all at once, Not sure how I would "ease" into a schedule by bay steps. Generally, if I feel I need to do xyz, I just do it. But I am not sure what you call "big" changes. Obviously, a new job or a move can't be slowly phased in. Edited September 25, 2017 by regentrude 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bambam Posted September 25, 2017 Share Posted September 25, 2017 Depends. I've had more success with baby steps - change/eliminate/add a little, then repeat until goal is reached. But if it is for immediate health reasons, I'd do it all at once. Now, if the doctor advised a diet change (more fiber), I'd go slowly - for more reasons than one! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted September 25, 2017 Share Posted September 25, 2017 Usually the bigger changes require multiple steps to put into place. For example, when our house recently went totally gluten free, I had to go through the pantries, cupboards (for things like spices), the freezers (chest and attached to fridge), the fridge, then I had to deal with bathroom supplies and meds. . . It took us a week to do all of this. The finding and buying and cooking gluten free foods was done all at once but the getting into a routine with it took time. I was successful because in my case it was not voluntary but also because I broke it down into components on my to-do list so that it would be successful (since I had no choice but to make it successful). 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peaceseeker Posted September 26, 2017 Share Posted September 26, 2017 For schedules, particularly involving the kids, I find easing into things preferable. Sort of like heating the frog up in the pot so he doesn't realize when it is boiling. Especially if we are starting back to school after a long summer break. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HS Mom in NC Posted September 26, 2017 Share Posted September 26, 2017 I improved my diet and lost 10 pounds. I did a series of smaller changes: 1. Cut soda intake by half. First I switched the small soda cans. I went from every day to every other day for a couple of months. Then I went from every other day to 2 a week for a couple of months. Then it was once a week. It wasn't bad and I've maintained it well. 2. At the same time I started working on healthy substitutions. I found a high fiber,whole grain sliced bread and bagel brands I liked. I found an unsweetened iced tea I liked. I found brown rice with higher fiber and protein content I liked. I found a high protein pasta I liked. I found a couple of high nutrient juices (no added sugars) pomegranate and blueberry for when I want something sweet so I get some nutrition at the same time. I found a very dark chocolate to replace milk chocolates. It really is more satisfying so I eat much less of it. 3. I bought recipe books that had healthier high plant based recipes in them and started cooking my way through it. I make 2 new recipes a week. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-rap Posted September 26, 2017 Share Posted September 26, 2017 I've finally learned that gradual changes are what work for me. Completely opposite from my dh, who makes a decision and then immediately goes whole hog with it. I think it takes more discipline to do it that way. I'm glad he doesn't judge me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellie Posted September 26, 2017 Share Posted September 26, 2017 I'm thinking voluntary lifestyle changes here, like diet or schedule. Do you just go all in and make radical changes? Or do you set your desired end goal and break it into smaller pieces? Does your approach change if it just affects you or affects kids/family, too? What's worked for sustaining said change in your life? Just pondering my options. It depends. Sometimes I make radical changes, sometimes I do it in itty bitty steps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenmom5 Posted September 26, 2017 Share Posted September 26, 2017 I can do more, faster if it's just me. I am careful to not make too radical a change it can't be sustained. it generally will work better if changes are gradual enough you can adapt before more changes come. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
klmama Posted September 26, 2017 Share Posted September 26, 2017 I do better when I take on the whole thing at once, whatever it is, even if it's a little overwhelming. If I try to ease into something new, it's too easy for old habits to get in the way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz CA Posted September 26, 2017 Share Posted September 26, 2017 Depends if these changes include other people. If I decide to exercise every day except 2 x a week, I can make those changes immediately. If it's something like food that includes other family members, I phase it in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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