The health clubs will be full this month. Many of us will make the commitment to change our ways. But most of the time, the commitment to change comes to naught. Less than 20 percent of New Year’s resolutions remain after three months. We return to what we know and to behaviors that feel comfortable.
There are, however, predictors of success in making change in our lives.
The first is having a partner. Two people provide accountability for each other. When you miss going to the gym, your partner asks about it. So intentionally developing a support system – whether family or friend, whether a sponsor or a partner – is a key to success. They don’t have to be an expert to be effective. They just have to care.
The second is having a clear purpose. A goal should provide direction, not judgment. No one is going to achieve their goal in one day; yet, many of us become frustrated by the distance between where we are and where we want to be. So we stop trying. Purpose that is effective leads to perseverance – one day at a time.
The third is acknowledging setbacks and understanding that change is not going to be straight line to success. Part of making change is the awareness that relapse into old behaviors is probable. That is not a reason to stop trying but time to go back to our purpose and to rely on our partner to help restore direction and accountability.
Turns out spiritually healthy people use the same strategies to stay healthy – relying on social networks, finding meaning in doing that which can be accomplished and accepting some things that cannot be changed. Grace and Peace.
