Do you have habits you want to change? Do you want to eat healthier, exercise more or reduce your stress?

Don’t try to change everything all at once, and don’t be too hard on yourself. Here are some tips to help you change your habits:

1. Change only one habit at a time. Just choose one. You’ll want to choose more, but don’t.

2. Create positive habits you enjoy. If you enjoy it, the change will be easier. If it’s smoking, change to a positive habit that smoking helps fulfill for you (stress reduction, boredom relief, etc.) Replace junk food with healthy foods you enjoy.

3. Start as small as possible. Work on the habit for five minutes, then move to ten minutes, then up. Small, slow changes are most effective, and they last.

4. Make it social. Find a group or a partner to change with you. You’re more likely to stick with it if you have someone to encourage you.

Be patient and forgiving with yourself. Changing lifetime habits doesn’t come overnight. Making one small change does make a difference.

Zenhabits.net, Leo Babauta 2011