Creating Habit

A brand new year is well under way now and so many of us have set forth resolutions to accomplish this year. A large percentage will make a commitment to join a gym and working out. A survey sponsored by Weight Watchers found that 45 percent of Americans say losing weight will be their New Year's resolution for 2009 and 97 percent of those resolved to do so will need assistance to keep that resolution. The more telling statistic is that about 70 percent of new clients drop within a couple of months.

There will be many other types of resolutions; all well intentioned and for the betterment of one's life or surroundings. Setting goals and starting your walk towards change is a fantastic way to start the year. But the change doesn't come without a cost. It can be a difficult road and 'instant gratification' is what many people want.

A friend of mine, Dean Sweetman has this saying which goes, "conception is fun but birthing is hard!" An amazing but very applicable statement to make in the context of trying to accomplish things in life. Much of what you will attempt in your new year resolution is supported by initial enthusiasm and excitement. You will be the first one in the gym using all of the various equipment.

The first week you are there every day, the pain is great but you know progress is being made. The weekend comes and you take a day or two off. The following week the stiffness is just a bit much so you tell yourself you should back off to only two or three days a week. Gradually you find yourself going less and less; finding more and more excuses not to go.

Long term commitment and 'habit' and are the keys to success in your new year's goals. As Dean said, the excitement of change in the new year is fun; the continued commitment to achieving the change is hard.

When you create habits in your life, they will become automatic. This is true for bad habits as well as good habits. Smoking was not an instant thing because you developed bad habits that will take time to remove from your life. Becoming more healthy will take time as well along with any of the other many changes you may want to make.

Be excited, be joyous that you are doing something great; yet be ready for the work it will take to create good habits in your life. Be ready to see your goal getting closer as you continue to work and achieve. Eventually you will get there and it will have seemed so automatic. Have a great and prosperous 2009!