New Year, New Habits

New Year, New Habits? Says the meme.

That's all well and good, but sometimes it's easier said than done.

Some say resolutions don't work because they're fleeting and always come back to bite you when you're too busy to keep up.

But what about implementing changes over time by tying new patterns to existing ones (like in your morning routine)? Now that might be a recipe for a win. Do you know why? Because it's much easier to maintain the behaviors you exude consistently than to start new ones from scratch.

It's not easy to form new habits. But it IS possible. Let's do a deep dive.

Streamline Your Morning Routine.

Start each day off right by waking up 10 minutes earlier than usual, taking a small window of time just for yourself. Over time, those 10 minutes will become something you eagerly anticipate--plus; they help set the tone for the rest of the day.

Make time for Meditation.

Set a daily reminder after breakfast for 5 minutes of mediation. The point isn't to make any drastic change; it's simply to take five minutes each day to practice self-care that will surely pay off in the long run.

Exercise Where You Can.

If you eat lunch at your desk daily, consider adding a walking meeting (or two) into your calendar—that way, it'll be easier to work exercise into your schedule.

Detox from Digital

If you're typically tempted to check Facebook in bed before going to sleep, set up your phone face down on your kitchen counter, banishing it from your bedroom for an evening of digital detox.

If you want a resolution that sticks, don't set yourself up for failure by relying on willpower alone. Instead, try stacking your new habits onto an existing routine that has already shown itself to be reliable. That way, you'll build momentum more quickly and have more chances of success.