Habit Streaks Without Perfection: A Better Way to Track Progress

Track the action, not your worth

A checkbox is information. It tells you whether the action happened; it does not tell you whether you are disciplined or successful.

Expect setbacks

NIDDK notes that behavior change happens in stages and setbacks are normal. Planning how to restart is more useful than pretending every week will be perfect.

Use small, specific actions

A goal such as a ten-minute walk after lunch is easier to track than a vague goal like “be healthier.” Review what helped, what got in the way and what you can adjust next week.

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