Many people start the New Year hoping to change for the better—lose weight, save money, exercise, quit smoking—but within weeks slip up and become discouraged. According to Kelly McGonigal, author of The Willpower Instinct, we can strengthen our ability to stick with our goals. Her tips for enhancing willpower include:
▪ Accept the busy, stressed person you are today. “Don’t wait for the efficient person who resists all temptation to show up,” says McGonigal. “Take action now and understand that you’re human and you’ll have setbacks.”
▪ Tweak your environment. If you’re trying to lose weight, remove junk food and put out bowls of fruit and vegetables.
▪ Start small. Set manageable daily goals. “If you stick with that goal for a week, congratulate yourself and up the ante the following week.”
▪ Seek support. Surround yourself with people who encourage you.
If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.
(2 Corinthians 5:17)
May we strive to improve ourselves, Lord.