2015 is just starting! The new year is a time when many people think about changing or improving their habits and lifestyle. You can change your diet, start that exercise plan you’ve been avoiding, or maybe give up smoking. If you’ve had limited success in the past with keeping resolutions, here are tips that should help you stay focused.
- Make it something you really want. Don’t make it a resolution that you “should” want or what other people tell you to want. Make a goal that fits with your own values.
- Be specific. To be effective, goals need to be pretty specific. Instead of resolving to “have better brushing habits”, go for “I’m brushing my teeth for 2-3 minutes, three times a day.”
- Automate. Automating financial goals can maximize your odds for success without you having to do anything. If your goal is to save $3,000 this year, calculate the amount out of each check, then have it automatically deposited into your savings account each payday.
- Make a plan. Figure out exactly what you want to do. This may take some thought, but think about what you want your life to look like and design your goals and strategies around that.
- Write down the goal and visualize it regularly. Write down your goals and put them where you’ll see them frequently, such as on the fridge or on your desk, or even on your screen saver. This will fix your goal firmly in your subconscious.
- Be prepared to change some habits. Ask what you can do now that will get you closer to your goal. It could mean trade-offs such as sacrificing an hour of couch time.
- To tell or not to tell? Having someone hold you accountable can be a powerful tool. In general, making a public commitment adds motivation, but skip the naysayers and stick to the people in your life who will act as cheerleaders or coaches.
- Forgive yourself. If you fall off the wagon, jump back on. Many people fall into the trap of believing that if they stumble, they should give up. Instead, realize that slipping is part of the process and get back to your goals.
Creating the habit of proper oral hygiene works just like creating any other habit. If improving your dental habits is high on your list, it’s easier than ever to find affordable dental offices in the Phoenix area.
