Developing good habits

We all tend to be creatures of habit and stick to a fairly regular daily routine. We find what works for us or what we enjoy, and then we keep doing it. But sometimes those habits aren't good for us. And man, habits are HARD to change! 

I've found that life is a continuous cycle of either creating new habits or trying to change old habits. I think most people get hung up on or quit during their journey to health when it comes down to changing old habits. "Why can't I just kick my soda habit? I know how bad it is for me!" or "I always feel miserable after eating that whole bag of chips, but I keep buying them and eating them." Oftentimes, we find comfort in those old habits and trying to change them becomes UNCOMFORTABLE. 

Sit down and think about some of your daily habits that aren't helping you take steps towards your goals. Are there obstacles or triggers that make you veer towards that habit (I tend to eat ALL the chocolate when my kids are having meltdown-type days as comfort)? Once those are identified, make a plan on how to avoid those obstacles and triggers or ways to work through them so your best attempts at success aren't ambushed by them (I avoid purchasing the chocolate...). Once that plan is in place, SHARE IT! Tell your friends, your family, your challenge group. You'll be surprised at how just having other people know will help you stick with it. And once you've stuck with your plan, treat yourself. Not with a food treat, but something else you enjoy like a hot bath, a walk by yourself, going to a movie or getting a pedicure...whatever would be a treat for you. 

To recap: 
*Identify habits you need to change that aren't helping you in working towards your goals 
*Identify obstacles and triggers that you can avoid or have a game plan for so you aren't caught unprepared 
*Make a plan! 
*Share this with others who will support and encourage you and hold you accountable 
*Treat yourself (with non-food things) when you have success (no matter how small!) 

Feel free to share any of your habits/plans/treat ideas! 

-Carlee