The most important thing to do to stay motivated is to believe in yourself

Soon it will be time for making New Year’s resolutions. If you have some changes you’d like to make this coming year, read on.

 

Mayo Clinic Health System Health Note

Are you struggling to find the motivation to break a bad habit, or make a change that you know will improve your health? You are not alone. Many times the hardest part of making any sort of change is getting started.

 

The following tips may help you find the motivation you need to make a change:
First ask yourself, what are the benefits? It may motivate you to write down the benefits in comparison to the negatives of making a change. Doing so will make you realize that the effort it will require is worth it.

 

Once you have realized the benefits, make a plan of action. Identify specific and manageable goals to work towards. Multiple small goals often lead to more success than one large overarching goal.

 

It is also important to remember to make a change only if you want to and are ready to change. If you are trying to change just because someone else wants you to, you probably will not stay motivated for long. However, a support system’s encouragement will help keep you motivated.

 

And finally, the most important thing to do to stay motivated is to believe in yourself. Focus on your goal, and if you feel yourself slipping, reach out to your support system or coach yourself using positive self-talk. Examples of positive self-talk are phrases such as "I can do it," "I’ll give it a try," or "I can do anything I set my mind to." Using positive self-talk is simple, reduces stress, improves self-esteem, and keeps motivation up through difficulties.

 

Source: West Virgina University http://well.wvu.edu/articles/motivation_to_change_your_health_habits

 

From: 

Amy Every 

Senior Communication Consultant

Marketing Communications

Mayo Clinic Health System Franciscan Healthcare

700 West Avenue South | La Crosse, WI 54601

mayoclinichealthsystem.org