New Year’s Resolution How-To—

Tips on Changing a Behavior for Better Health

Are you ready to make a change for better health?  Ready to quit smoking?  Exercise more?  Eat healthier? Or, get more rest? 

Here are some strategies to help you get started:

1. List the benefits of the behavior change.

2. Set clear and realistic long- and short-term goals that are achievable for you.
3. Identify strategies and seek out resources to help you succeed.
4. Plan to encounter and overcome obstacles.
5. Alter your environment to help support your change.
6. Elicit the help of friends and family to support you in your effort.
7. Track your progress.
8. Reward yourself for your accomplishments.

Find you are not achieving the success you had hoped for?  Review your strategies, and try a different approach.   Changing a long-time behavior may take several approaches and several attempts before you achieve your goal.  And remember to have fun in the process.

Source:  “Making Wellness Work for You,” National Wellness Institute,