Are You Still Resolved?

Here it is, partway into February.  Holiday trappings are long since packed away.  We're back to a more normal routine.  And, in my part of the country, we're busy shoveling snow.  Now that the first flush of enthusiasm for New Year's Resolutions is fading, it's getting harder to stick with it for some people.  Are you one of them?

Experts say that it takes 2-3 weeks to get used to a new habit and 6-8 months for it to become automatic.  Now that we've had time to try our resolutions on for size, some of us are finding that they don't really fit very well.  Mostly, they're too big!  "lose 20 pounds" is big - and vague.  Instead, break it into chunks that will lead to the loss - or to whatever goal you set.  Write down the steps - they will be easier to remember, plus you can post the list where you run into it all the time.  Sometimes, "sub-steps" are also helpful.

Continuing the weight-loss theme (a common one this time of year), here is an example:
In Jan., I will increase my exercise level 10% by doing stretches and walking for my whole coffee break one afternoon/week.
In Feb., I will add another 5% by taking the stairs for one floor (getting off the elevator early).  I will also pack a snack for break one day/week - something better for me than a donut (saves money, too).
In March, I will continue these good habits, and try to get a friend to walk with me for one of my morning breaks.
And so on - you are adding one new thing at a time and/or increasing by a few percent at a time instead of all at once.  This is much easier for many people than to do it all at once and still stay the course.
Try it - you know you can do it. You'll be proud of yourself for sticking with it.