HOW TO MOVE PAST THE FEBRUARY BLUES

I am a wife, mom and wellness coach…and am launching a culture company in March! I have a gloriously full plate; one that requires healthy habits and routines that I rely on to keep me energized and organized. If I don’t implement these disciplines and create the space for me to be present, I know I won’t reach my goals — and I have some BIG ones this year!

Speaking of goals, February is the perfect time for a check-in. Maybe the excitement over the new goals you’ve set has worn off a bit. Maybe the honeymoon phase has ended. Or maybe you’ve realized you have some great objectives but are not sure how to get there. This is when we tend to white knuckle our way through the day and end up feeling tired…not to mention discouraged.

I am excited to bring all of you the method I love to use with my clients. When it comes to goal setting, I am a huge believer in having vision and a timeline. Creating big, inspiring goals is the easy part. The hard part is finding the strategy to get us there.

Today I am going to break down a few ways to create some habits that support your goals for 2016. The first thing to do is ask yourself these two questions:

1. What daily habits are working for me?

2. What daily habits (e.g. grabbing lunch out every day, sleeping in) are not bringing me closer to my goals?

After you’ve answered these questions, the second thing to do is to choose a new habit that seems the easiest to implement. For instance, if you are used to getting take-out five days a week, I wouldn’t recommend making any rash resolutions like, “I’m never eating out again!” Instead, choose one day to bring your lunch with you to work. Do it consistently for a few weeks. Then, once you’re in a new groove, add an additional day. Baby steps people!

The third step is to make a tangible reminder for yourself. Put a sticky note on your mirror to remind you to make your lunch the next day. That way, when you go to brush your teeth (which you should be doing each night already..wink), you’ll remember to make your lunch. It’s easier to build new habits on top of older, established ones. Build a new habit of making lunch on your habit of brushing your teeth. Sounds silly, but it works!

The fourth and final step is to enjoy the journey. Be kind to yourself and don’t let small set backs cause you to throw in the towel. You will not do this perfectly. You will have your share of challenging days. If you are generally consistent and make slow, steady changes, you will have a great transformation this year. You have never been in this moment before and possibility lies ahead! I am rooting for you. Now get out there, kick those February blues to the curb and get into action. You’ve got this!