Do You Need a Kick-Start?

Just checking in to see how you're doing with developing new habits! I've enjoyed reading your responses below and there's still time to share what new habit you WILL develop in the next few weeks!

I wanted to share a few "I will...." statements that I've been posting on my Facebook page (If you're on FB, please stop by and LIKE my page!) I hope these will get you thinking. Feel free to share your favorite one:
* I will make wise choices concerning my health. 
* I will practice self-control.
* I will be bold and stand up for my faith.
* I will accept constructive criticism and learn from it!
* I will not spread gossip or listen to rumors. 
* I will choose my words wisely. 
* I will surround myself with positive influences.
* I will be known as a person of integrity.
* I will not dwell on the past but look forward to all that God wants to do in my life!
* I will boast about the grace of God, not about myself.

REMEMBER: Deciding to move toward your goal is essential to getting unstuck. Allow your frustration to kick-start you and propel you a few steps forward. By just getting yourself in motion, you’ll gain the encouragement and momentum you need to achieve that goal! - Valorie Burton


                                                              

What's It Going to Take?

Motivational Memo:
To: Women who desire to make lasting changes in their life.
From: Tonia C. Harrison, M.A.
Re: What's It Going to Take?

Have you made your New Year resolutions only to have given up already? Are you thinking of goals you want to reach in 2013 only to be discouraged? I recently read an article on making change in our life. The author stressed that we should not focus on resolutions or goals, but on developing habits instead!

Research shows that it takes at least 21 days to form a habit. Habits begin as purposeful, deliberate and conscious; but as you practice them, they move from being things you intentionally and consciously work on to eventually being unconscious, consistent and positive behaviors no matter the circumstances. Think of when you first learned how to drive. You were conscious and deliberate of everything you did - now it just comes naturally (although consciousness is still suggested!) The same is true when you begin a new habit or replace an old, not so good, one.

What's it going to take for you to desire and determine to make a new habit? Will it take a warning from your doctor before you improve your health? Your employer before you improve your work performance? Your spouse before you improve your marriage? Are you already aware of warning signs in your spiritual life, but you've been ignoring them? Is the result of your holiday spending catching up with you and causing stress? Is the relationship with family and friends not what you wish it was? Things can change - You can change!

CHALLENGE: Gradual change is lasting change. Trying to change something cold-turkey rarely works for the long term. This month we're going to decide and determine what new habit we want to create in our life! There are 2 things you need to do in the next few weeks:

1) Honestly think about what it'sgoing to take for you to dedicate yourself to change?

 2) Share with us ONE new habit you are going to develop.

It must be specific - not "get healthy" but "drink 8 glasses of water a day for 21 days" or "exercise for 10 minutes a day for the first 7 days, the add 5 minutes for the next 7 days, etc." Not "get closer to God" but "spend 10 minutes in prayer every morning" or "read a chapter from Proverbs every day"...you get the idea! I can't wait to read your responses! Please use this forum to be an encouragement and motivation to each other.