Making it Stick

Happy 2022! Whether you are the person who excels at New Year’s resolutions or avoids that term at all costs, we all at some point in our lives need to make actions become habits that help us move towards our goals and the person we want to see staring back at us in the mirror every morning.

Maybe you want to read 24 books this year (2 per month - that’s an amazing amount!). Maybe you need to quit drinking alcohol or give up your addiction to soft drinks. Maybe you want to be more intentional with time in God’s word. Maybe you want to run 3 times every week. Maybe you need to STOP EATING ALL THE SUGAR.

Whatever your goal is. Whatever your dream of letting go or attaining there are a few tips I’ve learned during my time on earth (and in helping people get healthier for over 25 years). Here are 4 tips I know help tremendously in making a once or twice activity a habit.

1. Whatever you want to achieve, lay down or accomplish, make it a priority. One thing I’ve learned to be true is that we all make time (and money available) for our priorities. If it matters to you - truly matters - you’ll make time for it and make sure you have enough money for it. So make this your priority. If you want to spend time reading God’s word each day then put it on your to do list. At the top of your to do list. Make it a priority everyday.
2. Set a specific time. Schedule time for your activity. And give yourself ample time. If you wanna run a 5k make sure your schedule more than 15 minutes a day. I have learned to allow myself 15 minutes between activities and/or meetings. That gives me some wiggle room if I’m running behind and if I’m not, gives me a few minutes to get my proverbial ducks in a row between meetings. We all need a little breathing room! Give yourself time to accomplish your activity and then some breathing room to move on to the next activity on your list. If you’re stressed about it you’ll find excuses not to do it. Don’t give yourself that option. Set time. Make time.
3. Make it fun! Wanna lose that last 10 pounds? Take a spin class or a dance class. Do something new! You might find something you love that you never knew existed. Download new music. Create a playlist of your favorite 80s hair band songs. Enjoy your time.
4. Make it social. Make yourself accountable. If your friends know you’re trying to give up sugar (my hand is raised real high) then your can ask for help or at least distraction when you’re feeling vulnerable to the cookie jar (or ice cream in the freezer).

Doing these 4 little steps will help you make your habit stick. I promise!

Okay! Good luck out there kids! Let me know how you’re doing!

Aliceson