1) Create an achievable goal. Most people fail because they start with a goal that does not match their current habits -- it is too drastic a change! Start with one small goal and get into the habit of consistently achieving it. Once you succeed consistently, then move on to a slightly more challenging goal, then another, and so on.

It's better to make a series of small, progressive goals that get you into the habit of success than to make one goal that is too challenging and give up altogether because it's too difficult.

For example, let's say your goal is to decrease from three down to two caffeinated drinks a day. This is a gradual, achievable change because it is a step down (rather than a drastic change) from what you are currently consuming.

Before you make your goal "live," define your parameters. What does your goal specifically mean and how will you achieve it? Let's take a look at the caffeine example to see what I mean.

OK, you're going to drink "two caffeinated drinks" a day. Is a drink 8 oz, 16 oz, or 32 oz? Does that include ice? Does a triple frappucino "equal" a drink with less caffeine? Does the day start at midnight? What if you drink more or less than two caffeinated drinks on a particular day; then will you add or subtract to what you drink the following day? What will you do if you don't meet the goal on a particular day?

If you don't meet your goal on a particular day, I suggest starting fresh the following day rather than adding or subtracting to the day. Starting each day with a fresh, “clean” slate is the best solution I have found. When you don't start fresh, our creative minds often find a way to gradually chip away at the goal and your success.

No matter what your goal is, it's important to define your parameters like we did in the previous example before you put the goal "live." That way you aren't faced with deciding these important details when you are feeling tired or doubtful and are prone to making unhealthy choices -- moments we all have at times. 

2) Make ONE decision ONCE rather than deciding on the same goal over and over again. For example, if you decide to eat chocolate only on Sundays and major holidays, then you automatically know that the other days you will not eat it. It's a no-brainer.

Making ONE decision ONCE keeps you from being faced with deciding the same thing over and over again. No self doubt, no negotiating in your mind to whittle away at the healthy habit. No wondering late at night on a Thursday when you get the temptation to eat a chocolate candy bar. Your decision is made and it is non-negotiable.

It's amazing how much mental energy is freed up when you make one achievable decision and make it non-negotiable! That way you free yourself from the self-doubt and indecision that sabotages success.

3) Follow through and keep the positive decision always in mind until the habit becomes automatic. Write down your decision on a note card for your wallet; Post-it notes to post around the house; keep it in your cell phone; and/or as a screen saver on your computer.

If you have an off-moment or an off-day in which you don't meet the goal (don't worry, all of us do), that's OK. Simply return to the goal. Many people mistakenly think that an off day means they have changed their mind and that it is a signal to give up. Not at all.

An off day doesn't mean you have changed your decision. It simply means you're human! Start the next day with a clean slate rather than beating yourself up about it.