This article provides expert-backed advice from the 'How to Start' series, offering practical tips to overcome the initial challenges of beginning a wide range of activities and habits, from fitness and finance to personal growth.
The hardest part of any new habit or activity is getting started. This comprehensive guide, part of the 'How to Start' series, compiles expert advice on overcoming initial hurdles and progressing in various areas. Learn how to cultivate a reading routine for empathy and reduced stress by exploring genres and mediums, or begin lucid dreaming through dream journaling and specific techniques like WBTB and Mild. Discover essential tips for dog training, focusing on key commands and short, functional sessions. Master the proper form for push-ups and gradually increase difficulty. Get started in the kitchen with basic tools, quality staples, knife skills, and core recipe practice. Build a simple skincare routine with cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection, with optional additions like retinoids. Embark on a running journey by alternating running and walking, focusing on consistency and proper footwear. Dive into weightlifting with bodyweight exercises, gym machines, and progressive overload strategies. Navigate the process of finding and starting therapy, ensuring a good fit. Explore dating with tips on self-reflection, app usage, profile creation, and low-pressure first dates. Take control of your finances by tracking spending, addressing common budgeting challenges, and automating savings. Begin meditating with short, consistent sessions focused on breath and awareness. Improve your social skills by starting conversations with strangers through questions and mindful interaction. Finally, learn how to reduce your carbon footprint by remembering the three Rs, eating more plants, cutting energy waste, and advocating for environmental policies.
