As a new year approaches, most of us begin to reflect on new beginnings. Nothing inspires the urge for a fresh start like a new calendar. Resolutions are made, and people feel inspired and motivated to make positive changes. With all that enthusiasm, it can be easy to initiate fresh starts, but it takes careful planning and continued renewal to keep those commitments going for life.
New beginnings are created and maintained by developing a series of new habits. Any successful person will tell you that beyond luck, vision, and determination are repeated positive habits. Our habits determine our ultimate success. As you think of those areas where you wish to create a new beginning, focus on small habits that will move you in the right direction and also consider habits you may have that may hold you back. There are many negative habits that lead to self-sabotage including procrastination, lack of organization, and not having a concrete plan or guidelines to follow.
Weight loss is a common resolution for the new year, so let’s use that as an example. Those who are successful at losing weight and keeping it off develop many small new habits that become an overall lifestyle change. Drinking plenty of water, eating properly, exercise are all goals that are built up gradually and don’t all happen overnight. Fad diets and quick fixes never work because they don’t address the core necessities for a genuine new beginning.
Think of an area where you want a fresh start. What habits do you need to develop to get you where you want to be? Create a list and start by developing one new behavior or routine at a time. Be patient and diligent with the process. Once it has become something you just do and don’t have to think about, it’s time to focus on developing the next positive habit.
According to psychology researchers at University of London it takes an average of 66 days, approximately 2 months, to fully develop a new habit, not the 21 days routinely suggested by many self-help resources. Persistence without instant gratification is key to continued success. If you set a new goal and give up after just a few weeks; you haven’t given yourself enough time to really create a deeply ingrained, positive habit.
New beginnings are not about sweeping, enormous changes, but the small ones that grow into long-term life changing positives.
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