Happy New Year! It’s 2024 and I would venture to guess that many reading this article have a New Year’s resolution or two in mind. Yes, we know the changes we want to make. Our problem isn’t a lack of awareness or a desire to make lasting changes. We know the benefits of making positive changes. But implementing the change? Therein lies the problem! Why, may I ask, is it so hard to do the things we know are good for us? It should be simple, right? But making a consistent change is much easier said than done.

When we are stressed, we want comfort. Thus, rather than doing something new and healthy, we revert back to the same old comforting bad habits. Maybe we will become couch potatoes, or maybe we will find ourselves zoned out endlessly on varying social media platforms or watching, yet another, reality television show. Maybe we turn to alcohol, smoking, fast food, chocolate, or online shopping. Our comfort zones feel…well, comfy. They are nice and cozy! Nevertheless, staying in our comfort zones isn’t always in our best interest. Comfort can also lead to boredom, selfishness, and our own discontent.

Growth and comfort do not coexist.

~ Ginny Rometty

There are many versions of this quote, from many different authors. The basic idea is always the same. So, if it’s been quoted by so many, must the sentiment be true? Let’s test the theory. When was the last time you remember making a big life change and being comfortable the whole way through? If your answer was ‘never,’ well, join the club. You’re no different than myself, or anyone else I know. In a recent training course I attended, the instructor stated, “Change isn’t convenient. If change were convenient, then everyone would do it.” This is simply another way of stating the exact same idea. Though, for me, it was a good reminder. I have to admit, I frequently lose myself in the, ‘it’s too hard,’ mentality. Deciding to make a change is the easy part. Once the change becomes inconvenient, it is equally as easy to slide back into old tried and true habits.

You may be asking, where is the silver lining here? Well, there is hope. In fact, it is possible to create new, healthy habits. The first step is admitting that it will be hard work. The second step is accepting that it will be hard work. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Identifying the goal is easy. Maintaining an established habit is easy. The challenge lies during the in-between part. So, if you’re wondering how to get started, here are a few pointers:

1. Start small - If your goal is to run a 5K, but you’ve never before been a runner, start with the smaller goal of jogging for one minute a day, for one week. Update your goal at the end of each week.

2. Make a thirty-day commitment - Thirty days is short enough that it shouldn’t feel overwhelming, but long enough that a habit can begin to develop.

3. If it feels too hard, make it easier - If drinking a gallon of water everyday feels too hard to maintain, scale your goal back to drinking 32 ounces of water daily.

4. Do something (small) daily - Healthy goals are easier to remember if you choose to do something daily. ‘I will take 15 calming breaths every day at noon.’ Specifying a time each day to engage in a new behavior helps too.

5. Fit it into what you already do - If you already watch your favorite Netflix show every night, try doing some relaxing stretches, while simultaneously watching your show.

6. Find support - Do it with someone that has a similar goal. Do you and your friend both enjoy writing? Try holding each other accountable for journaling, once a day, for thirty days.

7. Be perfectly imperfect - Did you miss a day (or two or three)? Don’t tell yourself, ‘The whole thing was a huge waste of time!’ It wasn’t. Start again tomorrow.

Most changes are easier when made with the support of others. Hold each other accountable! Join a Book Club and set a goal to read one book per month. Or, if it’s more your speed, form a ‘Walking Club,’ and make a pledge to walk together once a week. Try out the idea of a “Coping Club,’ and select a ‘coping skill of the month.’ Grab some colleagues for a round of ‘Coping Bingo.’ The winner gets a prize! Or maybe get a couple of friends together once a month for some good conversation and a simple art project. The sky’s the limit.

It’s the New Year! Welcome to 2024! This is a great time of year to make a positive change. Yet, there is no need to wait for another New Year to roll around in order to make a positive change. If you want to make a change, at any point in time, then decide, make a commitment, and get started. Happy changing!