Wellbeing

Building Tomorrow Today: The power of small daily choices

How quickly the time has flown! It’s hard to believe we’re nearing the end of Term 3. It feels like just yesterday, I was exchanging New Year well wishes with friends and family and jotting down my goals for 2024. It’s intriguing how many of us set ambitious resolutions each year, only to find that as soon as February rolls around, we often slip back into our old habits.

Our resolutions include exercising more regularly, diving into that book that's been gathering dust on our bedside table, embarking on a new project, improving our eating habits, achieving better grades, or simply getting more restful sleep. Yet, as the weeks pass, these well-intentioned plans can sometimes fade into the background, overshadowed by the demands of everyday life.

It’s important to remember that the small decisions we make each day have a profound impact on our future. Every choice, no matter how minor it may seem in the moment, contributes to shaping our long-term outcomes. We usually see the fruit of what someone has produced and admire the end result, but we often overlook the countless small decisions and daily efforts that led to that success. While we admire someone's achievements, we may not see the late nights of studying, the disciplined workouts, or the consistent choices they made to stay focused and committed. It’s these behind-the-scenes efforts, these seemingly minor decisions, that accumulate over time and ultimately shape the visible outcomes we admire.

Consider how forming a new habit is like planting a seed. Initially, you might not see much growth, but with consistent care and effort, that seed gradually develops into something substantial. Similarly, small, positive choices lay the foundation for achieving your larger goals. These incremental steps create momentum and help you stay on track, making it easier to turn your aspirations into reality.

To successfully maintain and build upon positive habits, consider implementing the following strategies:

1. Set specific and achievable goals: Break down your larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks. For instance, if you want to improve your study habits, set a goal to study for just 20 minutes each day. Ensuring that your goals are specific and realistic helps prevent feeling overwhelmed.
2. Create a routine and stick to It: Incorporate your new habit into a consistent daily or weekly routine. By making it a regular part of your schedule, it becomes more integrated into your life. For example, if you aim to exercise regularly, designate the same time each day for your workout.
3. Use reminders and triggers: Set visual reminders or digital alerts to prompt you to engage in your new habit. Associating the habit with an existing routine or trigger can be effective. For instance, if you want to drink more water, place a water bottle on your desk as a constant reminder.
4. Track your progress: Maintain a journal or use an app to monitor your progress. Tracking helps you see how far you’ve come and keeps you accountable. It can also be motivating to review your progress and recognise the improvements you’ve made.
5. Reward yourself: Celebrate small victories by rewarding yourself when you reach milestones. This positive reinforcement helps to maintain motivation and makes the process more enjoyable. For example, treat yourself to something you enjoy after completing a week of consistent exercise or study sessions.
6. Seek support and accountability: Share your goals with a friend, family member, or mentor who can provide encouragement and hold you accountable. Having someone to check in with can boost your commitment and provide additional motivation to stay on track.

So, as we near the end of Term 3 and look towards Term 4, let’s remember that the small, daily choices we make shape our future success. By focusing on consistent efforts and implementing effective strategies, we can build strong habits that will carry us forward and help us achieve our goals.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. – Galatians 6:9

Georgia Akiki

Foundation-Yr 6 Counsellor (BPsych(CounsIntSk)