Many of us start off the year with the greatest intentions of working out more, eating healthier, making new friends or taking that community college class that would enrich our lives. For many people these resolutions flop within the first few weeks of the new year and many are left feeling discouraged, like failures. Have you ever heard yourself say “well, I guess I’ll try again next year,” and immediately shelf the intention to lose weight/eat healthier/make new friends/etc. until December 31st.

But does it have to be that way? Is this yearly pattern necessary, or is there a way to get out of this rut?

This month’s Shambhala Sun magazine features an article called “Getting Started,” and though it is about beginning a meditation routine, I challenge you to see how it can be useful for any life change that you want to make.

The principles:

What do you want to change or add into your life? Ask yourself this question. Then ask yourself “Am I really going to xyz today/tomorrow.” Answer yourself truthully. If the answer is “yes.,” then ask yourself again: “are you really going to do xyz today/tomorrow?” Think some more and answer yourself again. Perhaps the answer is no, AND THAT IS OKAY!  The intention of this is to really assess where you truly are and not just where you wish you were. Ambivalence is a normal part of the decision making process. Do I really want to change…yes…do want to put in the hard work…hmm, maybe not.

The second principle is, once you have decided that yes you do want to make a change, is to do a two week experiment. It’s a lot easier to commit to two weeks than it is to commit to exercising every day FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, right? It’s even daunting to think of eating healthily FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR. So cut yourself some slack. An experiment…what do you have to lose? Two weeks. Try it.

Then comes the evaluation piece. Look back at the last two weeks of exercise/eating right/calling people that you want to be friends with/whatever thing you want to change and see: how do I feel now after 2 weeks?

The author then boldy declares: stop. give yourself a break. then do it again…an experiment. maybe 2 weeks again, or a month if that’s manageable. Then ask yourself those same questions: how do I feel now after I’ve made this change?

Reminds me of the old adage: “the best way to eat an elephant: one bite at a time”

So, what is it that you’ve been wanting to try?