ARE YOU READY TO MAKE SOME NEW HABITS THIS YEAR?

A resolution to start a good habit is easier to implement than a pledge to break a bad one.  The most successful resolutions have both elements combined.  For example, cut back on evenings at the office and volunteer some time at a local charity.  

Substituting habits works best if the two are incompatible.  One woman decided to lose weight and to walk instead of a snack before dinner.  She bought a pair of sport shoes and resolved to walk 40 blocks home from work each evening.  That gave her regular exercise and also got her home just in time to eat dinner instead of snacking.

Use reminders to keep you on track.  If you’ve decided to read a book a week, post the resolution on your TV.  If your goal is to give up late-night snacks, keep a reminder on the refrigerator. 

Never say never.  If you resolve to not buy any more clothes until you’re out of debt, you’ll only set yourself up for failure when you snap up a sweater at that post Christmas sale.  It’s better to adopt a budget that leaves room for an occasional shopping trip.

 And, don’t strive for the impossible.  Pledging a 50 pound shed by June 1 isn’t practical so instead promise a 6 pound loss by February 1.  The far off goal only invites procrastination.  Even with realistic goals, it’s important  to have a strategy to deal with temptation and backsliding. 

Finally, don’t give up!  Every day is a new beginning.  If you have a bad day and yell at the kids, you don’t have to wait until next January to be cheerful again!