New Year's Resolutions

Dear Dr. LeCrone,

My New Year’s resolutions include changing some bad habits and maintaining these changes. I seem to be able to stop some pretty unhealthy behaviors but have problems in not resuming them again. I guess the old saying “he’s fallen off the wagon” fits me pretty well. Can you make some suggestions for achieving LASTING change?

Need help in Texas

Dear “Need Help" :

Often people deciding to change a behavior make a half- hearted pledge to do something different. A closer look at their commitment, however, reveals that they simply want to give change “a try”. The internal language, self-talk, they use often contains statements indicating some doubt about their belief in the need to change.

For example “I know I really need to lose weight but I do love to eat what I want to and when I want to.” Or, “My job involves a lot of stress and I don’t know whether to try to quit smoking now or later.” Still another example, “I need to control my spending but I hate budgets and hunting for bargains.”

You might want to try some of these suggestions.
Set aside some time free from distraction and interruption and focus on the desire and commitment to change. Close your eyes and mentally picture yourself in the changed situation.

A thinner you who exercises regularly, eats healthy portions, and feels good about your new image.

Being a non-smoker with better health, more money to spend and the pride of having been able to “kick” a very damaging behavior.

A financially responsible person who lives within his means, saves a little money for a rainy day and enjoys the feelings associated with handling finances in a healthier manner.

Imagine the feelings of satisfaction that will be derived from the cessation of the undesirable habit. Mentally refute any reasons for hedging, giving up, or changing your pledge and commitment to change. Remind yourself that most lasting behavioral changes often come in small steps over time and that you didn’t develop the bad habits overnight so it will take time and effort to change.

Repeat this procedure as often as necessary to assist you in your efforts. This mental rehearsal and self-directed reinforcement can help greatly, especially in the early stages of change. This procedure can also help with relapse prevention.

Good luck on your resolutions in the New Year unhealthy behaviors can be changed if you truly commit to new habits.