Commit to be Fit: Create new habits in 2016

The beginning of a new year is a perfect time to assess your current habits and then come up with a game plan to start living the life you feel called to live - this is commonly known as 'New Year's resolutions.” But surprisingly, only three in 10 Americans say they make New Year's resolutions.

Why? Well first of all, breaking (or creating) habits is not easy. For example, you may still be struggling with 'breaking the habit” of writing 2015. You wrote 2015 for an entire year, so it may take extra brain power to write 2016 as the current date. But with enough time, thought and repetition, you will eventually get in the habit of writing 2016. This is true with any habit.

The reason why it takes time and energy to change a habit is because humans are wired to develop habits. And that's a good thing - habits actually help us be more efficient throughout the day. If we weren't able to develop habits, then driving a car would be a huge challenge. You would have to think about how to turn on the car, where to position your hands on the wheel, and learn how much pressure to put on the gas every time you sit in the driver's seat. Thank God for our ability to remember habits.

So instead of cursing your bad habits, think about the amazing opportunity your brain offers you to create new habits. An important question you may want to answer is this: what healthy habits would I like to practice in 2016?

Instead of thinking about huge goals like losing 20 pounds or doubling your salary in 2016, behavioral scientists suggest breaking down larger goals into manageable action steps. What daily action steps could you implement to support a strategy of weight loss, productivity or whatever your goal may be?

To set yourself up for success, attempt to add habits where you already have a routine in place.

' Upon waking. Think about what daily habit would benefit you the most. It could be setting aside five minutes to journal, exercise, eat breakfast, or start a gratitude ritual by saying 'thank you” first thing in the morning.

' Driving to work. This time could be turned over for prayer, reflection, or listening to a book on tape. The public library has a wonderful variety of books on tape - you can learn more about business, creative thinking, how to influence people, etc. Knowledge is power.

' Arriving at work. What will set you up for success? This could be taking a moment to prioritize your work day, setting an intention, completing your most challenging task first, have a morning meeting with your team, etc.

' Before arriving home. Take time to review your work day and prepare your schedule for tomorrow. On the drive home, set an intention for meaningful time at home.

' Bed time. Create a bed time routine for better sleep. Sleep experts suggest unplugging an hour before bedtime. Inspirational reading, meditation and/or prayer will help relax your mind and body.

Where you are today is a result of your past habits. What new healthy habits would you like to implement in 2016?

' Kylie Alger is a certified wellness coach and co-owner of The Well-Woman: Body, Mind & Spirit. Comments: kylie@thewellwoman.org