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In our last issue of the Eastern-Ease we discussed setting goals and making lifestyle changes. These lifestyle changes become successful when you are able to maintain a new behavior for the rest of your life. In this issue we will talk about following through with these goals and making the move to the maintenance stage.

In order to maintain new behaviors and make a permanent change, one has to make a personal commitment and remain fully motivated. Listed below are several ways to maintain the initial desire to make a change and remain motivated.

• Write in a journal - This method will help you to think about your efforts in making changes. It helps you to reflect on your successes and failures and at the same time keeps you focused on your goal.
• Role Models - Try to identify with someone you know who possesses the behavior you want to attain. Then ask how they attained it, and ask for any advice or suggestions they could give to help you attain the behavior. Role models not only provide examples for you, but can also provide support and encouragement for you as you try to achieve your goal. [We are working to establish a wellness mentor program at Eastern. Mentors can help with this strategy.]
• Rewards and incentives - These also help you to stay focused and provide encouragement. They can help to reinforce the behavior you want to change and the goal you desire to maintain. For example, the money you used to spend on maintaining a behavior you wish to change could be used as a reward for the maintenance of a new goal.
• Inclusion of others - Including others in your commitment and desire to follow through with your goals can give you another source of encouragement to continue. If you let your friends, family, roommates, etc., know of your goals, they may be willing to assist you in your efforts.

If you desire additional ways or ideas to help you maintain your resolutions and reach your desired goals this year, look at Greg Helmstetter's myGoals.com for more information. Be aware that this is a commercial site. In fact, you can sign up for a program that will send you reminders. Just think, you could pay $10 a month to receive nagging messages!