How do we stay committed to our resolutions after the 6 week mark?

What is the trick to making a healthy lifestyle change and not solely completing a 4-week detox only to return to our old habits on week 5?

The secret is simple: Make this one-word change. 

A simple switch  from “I must go the gym three times a week” to “I want to go to the gym three times a week” can make our goals within reach.

When we are compelled by a wagging finger instead of a willing heart, we end up in an internal tug-of-war between good intentions and less-than-stellar execution.

— Susan David

If we drag ourselves do the gym each week, how will this behavior lead to a consistent exercise routine?

If we call our relatives out of obligation, how will we engage in a meaningful conversation?

Want-to goals reflect a person’s genuine interest and values, while have-to goals are imposed, often by a nagging loved one or by our own sense of obligation.

— Susan David

Want-to goals reflect an individual’s genuine interest and values (the “why”). We commit to these goals because of personal enjoyment, inherent importance of the goal, or the goal relates to our core identity. However, most significantly, we freely and openly choose these goals.

Verses,

Have-to goals are imposed, often by a nagging loved one (“You’ve gotta lose that gut!”) or by our own sense of obligation, often to avoid shame (“Good grief! I look like the Goodyear blimp! I can’t go to the wedding looking like this!”).

Have-to motivations will lead to positive changes, however eventually this type of motivation will crumble and fade.

Want-to motivations allow us  to commit to a healthy lifestyle changefor years to come!

I’m not suggesting we should all simply think positive and ignore real concerns. If you can’t find a want-to, then that could be a sign that change is in order.

— Susan David

What small change do you need to make in 2021?

What are your want-to goals, the things in your life that you enjoy and that simply make you, you?