In the Connecting Thread series, our trainers share inspiring learning moments or experiences. Prevention consultant and ergonomist Sofie De Vocht kicks off with the book ‘Atomic Habits’ by James Clear.
"A colleague tipped me off about the book 'Atomic Habits' by James Clear. It is a practical guide to behavioural change which explains how to develop sustainable healthy habits."
"A central idea in the book is that behavioural change does not have to be immediately impactful. On the contrary, new habits bear the most fruit if you work with small, consistent adjustments. That makes it easier to gradually unlearn old habits and stick with new ones."
“Behavioural change starts as a conscious process. If you tackle that process efficiently, you will continue to evolve positively but subconsciously in the long run. Specifically, when changing behaviour, it is best to focus on how you want to achieve a goal. But not on the goal itself.”
"For example, do you want to lose weight? Then look at how you can permanently adjust your diet and exercise regime instead of deciding on the numbers you want to see on the scales. If you then begin to reach for healthy snacks instead of cakes, you will get enough reward from that choice regardless of the numbers on the scales. With more motivation to continue on that path as a result."
To make behavioural change sustainable, Clear says you need to consider 4 steps:
Cookies saved