5 steps to New Year's resolutions

We are a week into 2007 and many people have New Year’s resolutions, which usually means creating new habits. There is a way you can establish new habits. The method I use isn’t new, but I find it very effective. Basically, there are five steps. Consistency is essential. Studies suggest that to form a new habit you have to do it 21 times in a row.

1. Establish your main goals. Perhaps this year, you’d like to focus on fitness and you’d like to organize yourself so you have more time to go to the gym and make healthier meals at home.

2. Make your plan. Organize your goals by writing them down in a realistic time frame. Take note of some things that you can apply immediately by breaking it into steps.

3. Establish rewards for each small step. To make sure that you will take even the tiniest step toward your desired goal, bribe yourself silly. Set up little rewards for minor steps along the way with bigger rewards for greater accomplishments.

4. Get started. The more you practice and get rewards, the more you will want to try again. You’re conditioning yourself to the idea that doing the new activity brings immediate pleasurable benefits.

5. Track your progress. Make a note of any positive accomplishment. Review these notes often. This final step of reviewing your successes can be a turning point in making your new-found skills belong to you permanently.

Have a great day!

Karli