I’ve been told it takes four to six weeks for any action to become a habit.

So, keeping that in mind, one way I’m going to ensure my success at keeping my New Year’s resolutions this year is by working on only one new habit at a time each month. Then, every time I turn to a new calendar page, I’ll work on developing a different good habit.

At the end of the year, I could easily have twelve new positive habits in my life. Once something’s become a habit, it’s simply a part of my life and not something I’ll even have to think about anymore. You can apply the same method with your children, too.

Here are some sample goals and habits I’m planning to implement throughout the coming year (in no particular order — taken one at time, one per month):

• Use both an aerobic video and exercise equipment 3-4 times per week
• Spend 20-30 minutes reading aloud to my children every day
• Get up an hour earlier each morning for personal prayer, and Bible study
• Work on my next book for at least an hour everyday
• Spend ten minutes each day decluttering

I feel the chances are good that if I’d started the New Year off by attempting to do all of these things at the same time, I would’ve become overwhelmed, and then given up long before any of these activities became habitual and second-nature.

So, what’s the area of life you’re most concerned about? Exercise? Weight loss? Healthy eating? Getting organized? Saving money? Spending more time with your kids?

Break your goal down into simple steps that you can easily manage, and then start working your way to your goal, one small step (or habit) at a time.

As the old cliche’ says: “How do you eat an elephant? … One bite at a time.” By making small and consistent changes, it’s possible to change your health, your body, and your life.

Happy New Year!