Building good habits is a challenging but rewarding process. Whether you are trying to build a habit of being a better neighbor or break old patterns of avoiding social interaction, certain science-backed techniques can help make your efforts more successful.  Understanding the process of how to start a new habit or break an old one can lead to better connections in your neighborhood and improve community engagement. Say Your Goal Out Loud One of the first steps in creating new habits is saying your goal out loud. This might sound simple, but research shows that saying things like “I want to be a better neighbor” can help you feel more committed to the goal.  When you say your goals out loud, it helps your brain connect to them more deeply, increasing your chances of success. It’s not just about hearing your goals; it’s about reinforcing them in your mind. Swap a New Habit for an Old One Starting a new habit doesn’t always have to mean completely abandoning an old one. ...