JR
Many of us are good at beating ourselves up for what we do wrong. We often fail to appreciate or even notice our attempts at self improvement.

My suggestion is select one or two goals that you absolutely can achieve this week. If there is any question that you might not achieve them, choose easier goals.

Write down the goals and when you achieve them. If you don't achieve them, it is not you that failed. You simply were not ready for the goals you selected.

Write down a detailed plan to achieve your goals that will not fail. Initially it is good to overdo the planning to guarantee your success.

Select tiny goals that are achievable rather than major goals that reinforce failure. Personally I focus on one pound at a time and never look beyond that goal. Mt Everest is climbed taking step at a time. Staring at the mountain top does not get one to the summit.

A goal might be to cook one healthy meal this week. Or to buy only two snack foods this week. Identify and climb a small knoll before you attempt Mt. Everest.

Each week select and write down small goals that you can achieve. Writing down your achievements is critical and after a few weeks leads to a "winner" mentality than can conquer larger knolls. If you fail a goal, break up that goal into smaller segments, take smaller steps to the top.

Write down and review your achievements so you create a self image as a "winner". When you fail, it is the goal's fault, not yours. Modify the goal until it is achievable.

Every small step in the right direction gets you closer to the mountain top.

Janice

Dear Janice

Your advice on the small goals is just so wonderful, thanks a lot.

I'm just finding my way into (mostly raw) veganism, and I am also following small steps. Now I'm in my third week, and I already feel more energy and lost about 4 pounds.

I am 59 and my goal is to overcome a very deep exhaustion, also to loose about 30 pounds.

Now I'm confident that with your advice on breaking down goals til they fit I will make it.

Herzkraut