This article is part of a series. We recommend starting with Choose your own Life. Inspired.
You’ve decided what to do. But could you do more?
After you’ve made your Life. Inspired. choices, you fear you’ll feel overwhelmed and worry about losing momentum. But, you’re determined to make it stick.
After speaking with your doctor, you know you’re on the right path. Your discussion included a few tips to help you be successful:
- Start with small changes. Maybe quitting tobacco cold turkey isn’t the right choice for you. Or you aren’t sure where you’ll find 30 minutes to walk. Doing a little bit will help jump start good habits.
- Make sure your plan includes reasonable goals. You could add one serving of fruits or vegetables every day. Or you could commit to a 5-minute meditation when you get home from work.
- Keep track of your success. When you see how well you’re doing, you’ll want to do more. Falling a little short? That’s OK. Everyone faces setbacks. Figure out what you can do to get back on track.
- Overcome roadblocks. You’ve decided to make these changes for a reason. If you see obstacles in your path — like bad weather keeping you from walking outside or a stressful event making you reach for a cigarette — have a plan in place to help you stay on track.
- Reward yourself for meeting goals. But be careful! If your reward is an indulgent treat or a day off from your workout, you may undermine all your hard work. Think of a reward that supports your goals, and use it as motivation to keep up the good work.
Once your new lifestyle has become routine, you find it easier to stay on track. With a little effort, you make meeting your goals your new reality.