Get Ready For Change . . . . .

Changing ingrained habits isn't easy, so before diving into your New Year's resolutions, it is vitally important that you take a step back and get ready for that upcoming change.

The very first breakthrough in change is taking a personal inventory. Being that it's the end of one year and the beginning of the next; it's good timing to take stock in the past year's accomplishments. Stop for a moment and think about the following:

• What did you intend to do in the past year?

Naturally, your resolution may focus on areas that lack progress, but do not forget to enjoy the progress made, and find some real way to celebrate. Those happy feelings are useful if possible, try to associate them with an object or word related to your accomplishments.

It is very important that you remain upbeat with your new resolutions, so you can us that positive association with last year's accomplishments to remind you of those good feelings when you are feeling challenged.

I would suggest that as you begin thinking about the changes you wish to implement, make sure to do the following:

• Remain positive
• Try not to make big/quick changes
• Change should be gradual
• Build on smaller changes
• Make room for error