1 . Small changes and gradual habit-building are great strategies for progressing towards large goals. They can include losing weight and increasing physical activity with the ultimate goal of keeping healthy.     1    

Why Step and Not Jump?

If those large goals are so important, why not jump towards them instead of taking baby steps?     2     For example, running a 10k if you rarely even walk for exercise. It can be easier to start with walking for 10 minutes three days a week.

Small steps can lead to a good cycle of success bringing success as you establish habits, hit mini-goals, and note your progress. This increases confidence and motivation, making it easier to stay in it for a long time.

How to Take Small Steps?

Break it down. That larger goal may seem far-off and unattainable, but breaking it down into smaller goals establishes a defined path that you can travel. Instead of worrying about what you might do next year(e. g. going on a foreign trip), you can check off the list things you can do today or this week(e. g. going to the gym).     3    

Track your progress. Track your progress to see how well you are doing and where you might improve. Your parents can help with tracking healthy eating, weight, and physical activity.     4     It also keeps you focused on the long-term benefits.

Adjust as needed. Assess your progress regularly, such as weekly or a couple of times a month.     5     Consider it a re-routing process, and not a failure. This change can keep you motivated and on track as you make progress towards those big goals.

7 . You might worry that you won’t fit in or make many friends when you come to middle school. It’s totally normal to feel some anxiety about new social situations and friendships. The fact is, you’re not alone.     1    . Here are some tips that help.

Give yourself an introduction tour to meet new friends

While it’s always comfortable to hang out with people you already know, being open and friendly to students you haven’t met before is how you make new friends.     2    . If you seem approachable, other kids will be more open to meeting you.

Lean into kindness

Not everyone is going to be their best self all the time. People will annoy you or even be downright mean once in a while. The trick here is to lean into kindness.     3    . You know who you are, and you know how to be kind even when you might not feel like it.

Hobby up

    4    . You may turn to enjoying more grown-up activities. This is your chance to explore new interests. Middle schools usually offer tons of extracurricular activities based on nearly anything you’re into. Joining a club or other after-school activities or sports can help you make new friends.

    5    

Try to keep a positive attitude , including body language and facial expressions. If someone you don’t know introduces themselves, start up a conversation. Invite someone who is sitting alone to join you for lunch or ask someone with a common interest to join a club you like.