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From Checklists to Practice: Reframing Behavior Change in Clinical Care
I recently read a quote from James Clear that felt timely. In summary, he writes that many meaningful parts of life cannot be finished. Work, exercise, parenting, marriage. The goal is not to be done, but to settle into a daily lifestyle you can sustain and make steady progress within. It made me reflect on how often our patients approach health with a finite mindset. They want the checklist. The meal plan. The workout. The medication adjustment. Something to complete so they can feel done. But health is not a project with an endpoint. There will always be another meal,…
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Behavior Change and New Habits
As the new year begins, many people start new diets to improve their health. After a month or so, they often feel frustrated and find it tough to stick to these eating behaviors. This can lead to a sense of wanting to give up, even though they haven’t given themselves enough time to develop these new routines. How Long Does it Take to Form New Habits? The speed at which new habits form hinges on our willingness to embrace change. Initially, we assess how our actions align with our short and long-term health objectives. We weigh the advantages of maintaining…