Quote of the Day

"To exist is to change, to change is to mature, to mature is to go on creating oneself endlessly."

-Henri Bergson

Motivation to Change

So it's a new year again. This is the time when many of us feel hopeful that it will be a better year, or that this is "the" year when we will make some of the changes we've been planning to make. Some of us do pretty well with change while others struggle to maintain changes in the long run. So, if this is the year that you choose to create positive change in your life, then here are some helpful suggestions to keep you motivated:

• Be accountable to someone else on a regular basis. This could be a friend, family member, support group, coach, or anyone else whom you trust. If you "check in" with someone on a regular basis to monitor your progress, it can keep you motivated.
• Break down big goals into smaller, more manageable goals. These are small, short-term changes you accomplish each week or month. If you are consistent, these little goals will add up to big changes over time.
• Make a financial commitment for your goals. For example, if you are paying a personal trainer to help you exercise and lose weight, chances are you will want to get your money's worth. A financial commitment can help you stay motivated.
• Give changes time to become habits. Most behaviors require 1-3 months to become a habit. Be patient and give it enough time.
• Educate yourself about the changes you want to make. For example, if you want to incorporate meditation into your life, you can read books, listen to CD's, or go to workshops about meditation. If you consistently keep that information around you, over time, it will become a part of your life.
• Spend time around like-minded people. For example, if you are trying to incorporate physical activity into your life, spend time around people who are physically active (avoid couch potatoes if you can!)
• Write affirmations on a daily basis. For example, if your goal is to live a healthier, more balanced life this year, a good affirmation might be "I am creating the balanced life that I want and deserve."