Changing a habit: three questions to start with

You may know what you would like to change and still be unsure where to begin. Try making the question smaller: what would you like an ordinary day to look like?

The original article asked three useful questions about desire, habits and a plan. Here is a gentler way to use them.

1. Why does this matter to you?

Write down your own reason. It might be having time to cook, getting outdoors with a friend or making mornings feel less rushed. You do not need an impressive answer, and it does not have to match someone else's goal.

2. What is one action you can choose?

Turn the broad aim into something visible. For example, “make lunch at home” could become “choose two lunches and add their ingredients to the shopping list”.

Check what the action asks of your time, money and energy. Make it smaller if it does not fit the week ahead.

3. What will the plan look like?

Choose when you will try it and what you will need ready. Add a simpler option for a busy day. At the end of the week, ask what was useful and what needs changing.

A missed day is something to learn from. You can revise a plan without turning it into a judgement about yourself.

Melbourne Wellness doesn't currently offer coaching. The current initial naturopathy consultation includes a dietary and lifestyle review if you would like to discuss those everyday routines. Melbourne Wellness — Services.

For another planning exercise, read turning a goal into a practical next step.

Discuss suitability at a consultation.