"This Year, Keep The Change"

Sally Squires , health and nutrition columnist, gives some good advice for sticking to our resolutions in the Washington Post. Here's a summary:

1. Ramp up slowly. "Rapid take-offs usually result in a fast crash and burn, so begin gradually." Decide if the goal you've set is sustainable for several months. If not, set the goal smaller and then: "slowly but steadily increase time and intensity over a number of weeks."
2. Resolve to change habits, not reach arbitrary goals. "Rather than saying 'I need to lose 10 pounds,' focus on what you need to eat and how much activity will be required to achieve your goal. Set short-term challenges to keep yourself motivated.
3. Believe in yourself.
4. Expect slips.
5. Card it. "Carry an index card with a five-point list of steps to extricate [yourself] from a slip on one side and reminders of why [your] resolution is important on the other." Click here for printable template.
6. Act now. Finding excuses to put off our goals takes time away from "what really needs to be done," says Albert Bandura.

I think these are some great thoughts on how to keep our goals. I think they can really help us during this new year. Remember, if your New Year's resolutions are already faltering, don't give up! I've personally recommitted to my goals and I'm thrilled with my progress so far. It's amazing what rethinking, recommiting, and applying simple strategies can do for you.