The Edited Version

I was told to cut the article I just submitted in half. Bye-bye anecdotes, hello boring read. 

On Dec 31^st, you decided that you’d had enough and that you were going to make a resolution to stop a behavior or vice. It’s been well over two months since your new resolve, so… how’s it going? 

Whether we realize it or not, motivation for change occurs when something generates an unfavorable response. Something stops working, gets negative feedback, or becomes painful. The biggest key to becoming the person you want to be is to fine-tune your decisions and focus on a plan that will eventually give you the results you want. 

1) Set a goal date as reference, not as pressure.

               Come up with a plan and work backwards, marking benchmark goals along the way.

2) Make a daily goal to keep your confidence high.

Don’t discount the power of mini-celebrations. You should give appropriate reward to yourself for doing something that you set out to do.

3) Surpass a goal and surprise yourself.

Avoid letting tasks get so daunting that you get discouraged. Set the bar low and meet it every time. When you feel like you can push the envelope and take it further, do so.

4) Don’t forget to have fun along the way.

               Put your feet in the ocean while you read. Listen to a podcast while waiting in line. Watch your favorite show while running on the treadmill.

5) Change the scenery.

                Now it’s time to really jump in with both feet. It will be terrifying and exhilarating all at once, but it’s time to make some sacrifices and push yourself out of your comfort zone.

6) Put blinders on.

               The end is in sight and obstacles are being thrown in your way at every turn. Stay the course and don’t be deterred; the reward is worth it!