Have you ever wished that you could be one of those people who works out first thing in the morning? What about that person who eats six servings of fruits and vegetables every day? Or maybe you daydream about practicing yoga daily?

Wishes are one thing, but making them a reality is another. No matter how much you want something, actually rearranging your life and creating a new healthy practice can be challenging. Try these five steps to turning your wish into a regular habit.

Define your goal. Imagine if your boss asked you to please “do better work”. What does that mean? You’d feel confused, right?

“Exercise more” or “eat better” are also vague goals. Avoid these kinds of intentions, because without a clear definition of what you want to do, it will be hard to establish better habits. Instead, set the intention to exercise 45 minutes per day, or weight train three times per week, or eat five servings of fresh produce, and so on.

Start off small. A lifelong couch potato who suddenly decides to run five miles each morning usually won’t stick with such a challenge. But that person could learn to wake up an hour earlier. Then they could learn to take a long, refreshing walk. Finally, they might begin to add some running intervals until they build up to running their target goal of five miles. Start off slowly and gradually build to your ultimate goal, especially if it’s a big one.

Set a time for your new habit. It’s hard to stick with a new practice if your plan is to simply work it into your schedule on the fly. Decide upon a time of day for your new habit, and schedule it.

Be accountable. Tell a friend or family member about your plans, or share them on social media. A little bit of social pressure can be a powerful motivator!

Make a plan for hard days. How will you handle challenges life throws your way? If you plan for them ahead of time, you can overcome inconveniences or temptations.

As always, give us a call if you need help with a weight loss plan or exercise regimen. We can help you learn about the foods you need to be eating, and set obtainable goals to live a healthier lifestyle.