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Having goals in life is smart. It gives us something to shoot for and increases our chances of success. However, aiming too high and biting off more than you can chew are sure ways to end up abandoning your objective. If you want to make big change that lasts, it’s better to start small and work your way up.

Start Slow

Our brain circuitry is actually wired to adapt to incremental changes and repetition. If you start taking small steps toward a bigger goal, your brain will begin to develop new neural pathways that make achieving that goal easier. As these pathways are created, you’ll notice that what once seemed difficult becomes more routine. Jumping right in can overstimulate your brain and cause resistance.

Use Strategy

Let’s take a common real-life example and examine how making small changes can add to big results. Weight loss is something many of us strive for. The first step is to choose a realistic goal – say you want to lose 15 pounds in six months. That’s less than a pound per week. Then choose several small habits you can start doing to move you closer to your goal. Work on each one until it becomes automatic. For example, consider drinking a glass of water before each meal to help you eat less. Then cut down on portion sizes. Next, add one exercise to your daily routine. Small steps do add up.

Consider Your Lifestyle

Making habits last can happen when you take small steps that fit easily into your current lifestyle. Try to consider your personality and preferences when setting goals. Find ways to sneak new habits into what you’re already doing. If you want to be more active, but you’re not very athletic, signing up for an intramural sport or paying for an expensive gym membership may not make the most sense. However, you probably can get more steps in each day if you park far away from your office building and take a short walk during your lunch hour.

These are just some examples of how small habits can lead to big changes. Keep in mind that you can always add new habits and strive for bigger goals once you feel comfortable. The trick is to work your way up gradually. Soon, you’ll see major results.