New Years Resolutions for Health
January 8th, 2008 by Tom Cobb
Many of us make New Years Resolutions related to improving our health. This is all well and good but we are also all aware of the statistics that describe the fact that few people are able to persist. And really, persistence is the central issue. It really is true that changes only occur when action is taken. But it also seems to be true that being persistent with new behavior consistently over time is very difficult.
So, to give yourself the best chance of success it is helpful to keep your goals modest. Then decide specifically what actions you need to perform in order to meet your goal. Then make a plan to perform the actions you have decided upon and perform those actions. Every day re-affirm your commitment to perform the actions you have decided upon. It also helps to make yourself responsible to somebody besides yourself. Call a friend to report (daily at first, then weekly).
Lastly, remember that it takes 3 months to change a habit. It is imperative to persist with the new behavior regularly for up to 3 months before that behavior becomes second nature. Also remember that if you should fail one day, you can continue the next day. Just continue and you will still be able to meet your goasl.
