For those of us seeking a more secular form of growth, Lent is as good a time to make long-lasting change for the better. We asked life coach Denyse Busby-Earle of Positively You, how women can go about it. Here's what she had to say:
• Be clear on what you're trying to break-identify the habits that you feel are holding you back. (For example, I binge on chocolate, so I'm overweight.)
• Identify a successful new habit and the rewards and benefits they will bring. (I will exercise for 20 minutes, three times a week, so I will lose weight, tone up and feel better about myself.)
• Develop a simple three-step action to help kick-start your new habit. Put a time in your diary for when you can exercise. Identify your start date. Get support if you need it (if you need someone to take care of the children)
• Share your goal with a friend, relative or colleague who you know would be supportive of the change you want to make.
• Next time you're tempted to snack, ask yourself, "Is what I'm doing now going to help me achieve my goal?"
"Don't make the mistake of always focusing on the bad and ignoring the good little things," Busby-Earle says. "As you begin to change to your new habit, stop, recognise, and give yourself credit for every little step you take."
