Maintaining Good Habits

This post is written by contributing author Shelly Kerry. 

We all know what happens this time of year. We make resolutions to be healthier, get fit and to spend more time on the things we love and less time on work. For a few months, there are more people at the gym and in the produce section of the grocery store. Then sadly these good habits start to wane and we find ourselves head to head with the old not so healthy ones.

This sounds a little sad but this can be the year we stop this pattern. There are great ways to help us stay true to our new hopes.  We need to make a promise to approach each day consciously. When you go to the gym or for a run three or more times a week how wonderful do you feel at the end of the day/week? Do you find yourself with more energy and a more restful sleep?

When you keep yourself well hydrated and avoid super fatty foods does your head feel clearer and your skin glow? Instead of focusing on the long term results such as a super awesome fit figure think about the small things you notice every day.

The end results will come before you know it. Are you happier and can you feel the confidence that matures from keeping promises to yourself? Let the excitement and curiosity that comes from positive change fuel and motivate you. Keep a journal and document your habits and how you feel. Become aware.

This year write down your goals and put them in a place where you will often see them. What positive feelings will you gain from working towards these? Again, think about immediate gratifications too not just the big end results. Working on your craft on your days off from work might result in you being able to leave your job in the future. This is awesome and a wonderful goal to work towards. However, don’t forget about how great you feel while creating your art. Does your spirit swell and do you feel more alive at the end of the day? Focusing on how you feel at the moment helps extend the life of your new habits.

If you would like a little more guidance please check out my 2013 Make It Happen worksheet. There are some great questions to help you really think about what you want from this year. It can also be super helpful to select one evening a week to do a short check-in. I check in on Sunday nights and plan out my next week. This can be a great time to see if you are still aligned with your new goals and to make any changes needed. My doing this you are creating a wonderful habit of self-care and giving yourself the respect and love you deserve.

Shelly is the founder of the program Creating Space, Mindful Living – motivating and inspiring people to run their businesses more efficiently. She helps others look at their personal and professional lives and explore what is and isn’t working. As a jewelry designer she has spent many years testing and honing the skills and discipline needed to run your own creative business while still having time for friends, family and fun. She puts her wealth of experience to use in the Creating Space service – healthy living advice to help keep you motivated and make the most out of your already busy schedule. She will help you find both the physical and emotional space so you can pursue your dreams and she’ll always insist there’s time for yourself. You can also find Creating Space on Facebook or contact shelly@creatingspacemindfulliving.com