Are you ready to make a change for better health?  Ready to quit smoking?  Exercise more?  Eat healthier? Or, get more rest?

Here are some strategies to help you get started:

• List the benefits of the behavior change.
• Set clear and realistic long- and short-term goals that are achievable for you.
• Identify strategies and seek out resources to help you succeed.
• Plan to encounter and overcome obstacles.
• Alter your environment to help support your change.
• Elicit the help of friends and family to support you in your effort.
• Track your progress.
• Reward yourself for your accomplishments.

Find you are not achieving the success you had hoped for?  Review your strategies, and try a different approach.   Changing a long-time behavior may take several approaches and several attempts before you achieve your goal.  And remember to have fun in the process.

Source:  “Making Wellness Work for You,” National Wellness Institute, www.testwell.org.