10 major mistakes in trying to change habits and how to correct them

I recently came across a good and short presentation on GTD from Persuasive Technology Lab (Stanford). This subject, like any geek, is close and interesting to me, there have been a lot of books read, there is already considerable work experience, as a result, I have developed a certain concept of how I feel it is correct not only to work, but to change my habits, which greatly intersects with what I read in the presentation. The following are the mistakes we usually make in an attempt to change our behavior, habits, and their decision is highlighted in bold . In my opinion, this list is also useful for solving any other problems.

1. Build on willpower for long-term change.
Imagine that there is simply no willpower. This is the first step towards a better future.

2. Plan and take big steps and tasks instead of small ones.
Successfully complete small tasks - one by one.

3. Ignore how environmental conditions affect behavior.
Change your attitude and you change your future

4. Try to abandon old habits instead of creating new ones.
Focus on action, not avoidance.

5. Blame failure for lack of motivation.
Solution: make the ease of acting part of your character.

6. Underestimate the importance of triggers *.
Behavior is very dependent on triggers.
* trigger - trigger, motive, push - a small clue to start the action.
')
7. Believe that knowledge leads to action.
We are not so rational.

8. Focus on abstract goals rather than specific behaviors.
Abstract goal: to put the body in order. Specific goal: run 15 minutes a day.

9. Trying to change the behavior forever, and not for a short time.
Short-term goals and objectives work better than “forever”

10. To believe that changing behaviors and habits is difficult.
It is not difficult if there is a correct plan of action.

One of the main ideas that lies in the presentation is to solve the problem, and just to develop a new habit it is necessary to break it into many small steps or simplify it. Such small tasks are easy to perform and new behavior can be formed. Personally, when I encounter a difficult task, I break it into small tasks, and if possible even more routine ones, the problem is often solved by itself, or the solution comes at the time of drawing up such a plan. I understand that America did not discover this translation, but I think it would be useful for someone.