Article: A step-by-step guide to making a change for the better

Every January, many of us make (then subsequently break) resolutions to stop a bad habit. The key to successfully kicking long-established behaviours is careful thought and planning. Here are a few helpful tips that can make this process less strenuous.

1. Take a personal inventory. Write down the negative consequences of your habit. Does it affect your health or relationships? Next, note all the benefits that would accompany a change and then put both lists in a prominent place to serve as a constant reminder.

2. Create a game plan. If you say, 'Someday I'm going to quit,' it'll never happen. Instead, pick a specific date to kick your habit. You'll have time to prepare both your mind and environment and when establishing a quitting strategy, set challenging yet achievable goals. If you say, 'I'll lose 50 pounds in three months,' you set yourself up for failure. Instead, aim to lose a pound a week.