Healthy Monday is a public health campaign mobilized in 2005 by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health to help Americans become accountable for lifestyle choices that affect their health. The campaign designates each and every Monday as a call to action – a day for healthy behaviors, for example, to choose healthy foods, exercise, drink more water, get enough sleep. Each Monday brings a new opportunity to make healthier lifestyle choices toward your health and fitness goals.

Today there are 10 actively participating organizations, including:

• American Heart Association
• Syracuse University
• Fresh Direct
• Jenny Craig
• Chartwells
• YMCA
• American Diabetes Association
• Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

You can also sign up to have Healthy Monday newsletter delivered right to your mailbox.

Phylameana at About.com: Holistic Healing suggested using the same concept and make each Monday a take action day for your New Year's Resolutions.

She wrote, 'Whether you are a procrastinator or burdened with a hectic schedule you can choose to make Monday your "get-it-done" day of the week. Make a list of the things that you tend to neglect or seldom get around to doing. Include in your list those nagging chores that you've been meaning to get around to. But also include joyful activities on your list which you have been depriving yourself from.'

What an AWESOME idea! By designating Monday as your "Take Action Day" and having a pre-written list of actions to take, you are setting up a structure and action steps for yourself to follow. Having a structure and clear action steps definitely ups your odds of completing the tasks, thus moving you one step toward your goals.

I also love that she suggested including "joyful activities which you have been depriving yourself from" on your take action list. It is important to nurture yourself, physically, emotionally and spiritually, while you are striving to achieve your goals, so you will be able to perform at 100% and avoid burnout.

So, here's how you do it: Make a list of tasks & activities that you would like to complete, whether it's related to work, family, social relationships, health (including doctor's appointments, annual check-up, etc), self-care, enrichment or just-for-fun activities. Think about things you've been meaning to do, but never get around to do. And things you would've loved to do, but you've been giving yourself excuses, or have not given yourself permission to do. Write them all on your list.

Then, every Sunday night, pick one or two things from the list, and commit to do them the next day, which is Monday. I like to decide what I'm going to do the night before, set the intention before going to bed, and even determine what time I am going to do it (if applicable). That way, I'm less likely to wake up on Monday morning feeling unmotivated, and talk myself out of taking action. But, you can also do it on Monday -- see whatever moves you the most on the list and do that.

I suggest that you choose only 1 or 2 activities from your list every Monday, instead of trying to do 5-10 things at a time. Remember, you have other priorities and tasks on your to-do list. By consciously choosing only 1-2 things that you fully commit to do on Monday, you are more likely to complete your tasks, and thus feel empowered to keep doing it every Monday. It builds self-confidence and momentum to keep you going. On the other hand, if you try to do too much at a time, and end up unable to finish your tasks, you will feel discouraged and might end up giving up altogether.

Life is not a sprint. It's a marathon. So don't forget to pace yourself and recharge whenever you need to. In the long run, taking consistent baby steps will pay off handsomely.

Now it's your turn. Will you take this Take Action Monday Challenge? Set your New Year's Intentions, and make a list of your Take Action Monday activities. Then, just commit to doing one or two things from your list every single Monday of 2008.

Come on, challenge yourself! Imagine how much you will be able to accomplish if you stick to this for 52 weeks? How will your life change at the end of 2008?

Today is Monday, so why not start TODAY?

To your success,
Hueina

P.S. Take advantage of the F*REE goal-setting quiz and Goals Report on my website. You can also request complimentary email feedback or a 30-min telephone intro session with me. If you are serious about reaching your goals THIS year, it's time to take action!

P.P.S. If you are stumped by fear of failure or fear of success, mark your calendar now for Friday February 8th, from 12:00-1:00pm. My good friend & colleague Kathy Atkinson will teach you how to use EFT to overcome your fears. Stay tuned for the official announcement and sign-up information.

Labels: accountability, coaching, commitment, conscious choice, empowerment, Intensive Self-Care, intention, making changes, New Year Resolutions, personal development