If you are like most people, you made a long list of resolutions for the new year. Your list may include everything from losing weight or quitting smoking to finding a new job, taking your business in new directions, learning a language, not procrastinating, having more patience with your kids, finishing your degree, spending less money, or finally learning how to use that %&@#^$@$ computer properly.

Whatever your resolutions, it is likely that they will not survive to see February. Most people who solemnly list all the ways they are going to improve themselves give up all too soon. Not only are they still stuck with their bad habits, they also have a sense of failure hanging over them.

There is nothing wrong with making resolutions. However, trying to completely change your life over night is usually doomed to failure. The exception is when there is a powerful motivating force, such as the need to make lifestyle changes due to a major illness. Change or die can be a powerful motivation.

For most of us, though, the motivation to uphold our New Year’s resolutions is nowhere near that strong. And, when it gets hard it is easier to just quit.

I do not say this to discourage you, but to show you that there is a better way. Here are some tips to make changes in your life that will stick. [Read more…]