Every January, we create new resolutions and goals with the intention of creating good habits (or breaking bad ones) and positive long term change. Whether you're setting a fitness goal or a goal to eat healthier, below are a few quick tips that can help you on your journey.

While the first instinct is to create a laundry list of new goals, a better approach is to keep it short and simple. Our attention and focus is a finite resource. The more goals you create, the more things you will have to divide your time and attention between. Eventually, it's easy to fall behind and feel overwhelmed. Focus on a couple goals rather than making a whole list. Making goals isn't about setting and forgetting them. Much like any project, it's important to have a plan of action - and remember, you'll need to make one for each of your resolutions. Plan to have a back up plan. For example, if your goal is to go to the gym everyday, what is your backup plan if bad weather prevents you from getting to the gym? You could plan out an indoor exercise circuit in your garage or living room. Think about making a plan for the days you make excuses and talk yourself out of completing your task.

Remember, don't be hard on yourself if you mess up. Missteps occur all the time and it's not realistic to assume they don't happen. The point of your goal isn't to have the longest streak, it's about creating good habits. Pick up where you left off and start again tomorrow. Author James Clear touches on this in his book, Atomic Habits. He explains that goals are about the results you want to achieve, and that the most effective way to change your habits is to focus not on what you want to achieve, but on who you wish to become.

A few books on habits to consider reading include, Atomic Habits by James Clear, You're Not Listening by Kate Murphy, and Good Habits, Bad Habits: The Science of Making Positive Changes That Stick by Wendy Wood.

If you have questions or concerns about your health, consider booking an appointment with one of our GOeVisit practitioners!