Shifting to New

As we collectively turn the page on our lives, many of us have looming resolutions that we have every intention of undertaking. Some of us have the same pressing concern or goal that we had last year; for others this may be the first time that a New Year's Resolution will be more than lip service at a party. Or maybe you are just about to try something new. Whatever the case may be: if you want to be successful, there are a few things you might want to consider.

A new endeavor or switch-up in your routine is going to take some extra time at first. Try to give yourself a few extra minutes throughout the day to account for unexpected details. This could be anything from taking the stairs instead of the elevator to increase leg strength or following a slight detour on your way to work to avoid the temptation at the drive-thru. Any new workout routine might require stretching or relaxation techniques in the evening to reduce soreness and prevent injury.

Consider the things you will need to change to keep you away from the bad habit or reinforce the new one. Maybe you have to switch your morning coffee to a water for a few weeks to help reduce cravings for a sweet breakfast. The television show that you stay awake for could be recorded and watched tomorrow so that it is easier to get up in the morning for a twenty-minute practice.

While some resolutions are very specific and quantified, others are closer to general ideals. For those who want to be healthier, eat better, or get in shape; the puzzle is in how to go about it and how to stick with it. For this type of resolution, the best results come from a strategy of gradual shifts in behavior and regular, moderate increases in the difficulty of the challenge. For example, if you want to eat better, start with taking out the single worst thing in your diet and replacing it with a healthier substitute. If you want to run a marathon, start by consistently running a mile three times a week. When the changes that have been made become part of your routine, you are ready to take the next step in the right direction.

Finally, a simple trick to help you follow through on any resolution is to start on it right away. You do not have to wait. For any big project, the timeline is difficult to predict at the outset. Unless you are very lucky, you will suffer from setbacks and be delayed by unforeseen obstacles. The sooner that behavior becomes routine, the more likely that it will stick with you and set the stage for the success and lasting change that is so very hard for so many.