Sticking With New Habits Published Jan. 23, 2008 By Michelle Loughlin Tinker Wingman Coordinator TINKER AIR FORCE BASE -- It's been less than a month since the beginning of 2008 and already many of us have let our new year's resolutions get the best of us. We're either too busy, it's too cold outside, we don't have enough will power to stick to our goal. Below are some helpful hints that may make sticking to your resolutions a little easier. Taking action to change old habits isn't easy, so if you've made some positive changes, you should feel good about what you've accomplished. However, many people find that the hardest part of developing new behaviors is sticking with them. Here are some ways you can maintain your new habits. With time, they'll become second nature: Pat yourself on the back; Only you know how much hard work you've put into your new habit, so you are the best person to give yourself a pat on the back -- and a reward. For example, if you've quit smoking, treat yourself to a night out with friends for every two weeks you remain smoke-free. If you're trying to lose weight, celebrate each week's weight loss by going to a movie. Eventually, you'll notice how much easier you breathe without cigarettes. Or how much more energy you have without the extra weight. Learn to deal with lapses; No one is perfect, so have a plan for dealing with small lapses. If you are learning to eat in a more healthful way and you slip a bit while on vacation, you can deal with the lapse by getting right back on track when you return home. Remain flexible; Flexibility is key to maintaining new habits. For example, you may have planned to exercise in the morning, but find it easier to exercise on your lunch hour. By being flexible, you also allow for changes that may occur in your life. Learning to maintain new behaviors is an essential part of the process of change. You may slip up along the way, but don't get discouraged. Persistence will pay off in the end!