Did you know that the second Friday in January is known as Quitter's Day? That's because it's the most likely day for people to give up on their new year resolutions. So if you're still going with yours, you're already ahead of the curve!

If you've joined most of the rest of humanity, however, and forgotten what you even resolved to do – again – this year, here are some things to think about that might allow you to be a little kinder to yourself.

1. Think about why you feel the need for constant self-improvement. Peer pressure? Lack of self-confidence? That's just what people do? Here's a revolutionary idea – what if you just accepted that you're okay, you're enough, you're doing fine... and resolved to learn and grow instead of outlining a 100-point plan for overhauling your entire life?
2. You know I love my turtle steps. So, in that spirit, instead of resolving to exercise for an hour six days a week, why not aim to go for a 10-minute walk daily to start building a habit? Instead of aiming to lose 20kg by the end of the year, why not just focus on one? And then the next one, and then the next one?
3. Maybe look at that long list of resolutions and pick just one to start with. Often we overwhelm ourselves with too many things we want to change. Change is difficult – even when you choose it! Don't try to go from zero to hero overnight; you'll be setting yourself up to fail.
4. When you're faced with temptation on your journey of change, ask yourself in the moment if this is the person you are aiming to be. Aiming to scroll less and tempted to waste an hour depressing yourself with the news or rolling your eyes at influencers? Is that the person you want to be? I've found this helps me to shift my perspective and stay on track most of the time.
5. Reward yourself – make a star or sticker chart, write a list of things you love to do and do them when you achieve certain milestones... be creative! But mark your progress with something positive so your brain works with you instead of against you.

Most of all, if you've decided there are things you're dissatisfied with, see the change as an adventure, a process, a journey. Changing your habits takes time and consistency. It requires patience with yourself. It means not giving up at the first hurdle – but it can also be fun.

And, if you need someone to help you figure out the steps or provide some accountability, I'm here – I'd love nothing more than to help you get to where you want to go.

Here's to a wonderful year!

Mandy