Implementing positive habits and strengthening self-discipline is not easy. Especially if we’re dealing with tough times, and largely flying solo.

I thank the cerebral palsy for forcing me to keep consciously aware; never a day goes by without me feeling immense gratitude that I can talk and walk… But I’m a kid at heart, was a child parent, therefore not naturally great at managing self-care. I’m also aware that if we forget to measure our incrementally accruing positive changes: they fly- out- the- window, unnoticed by our own eye.

We may be able to memorize our growing achievements – for a day, it’s unrealistic to recall them after a week, and our concerted efforts need measuring. Besides, we deserve little rewards – for each new brick we laydown: on our personal development road. Doing so gives us opportunities to tweak, improve and measure.

Simply get a sheet of paper, date it weekly and jot-down the days of the week. Use your choice named columns for the aspects of your lifestyle you wish to keep track of. Stick it on a surface, that you see numerous times, daily, mine is on the fridge.

I rid of most vices nine months. My gold star and tally mark chart were integral in enabling to do so.  I am a fan of honesty, drilled into me by my late Cockney father, so self-honesty is an attribute I hold close. If you’re not good at self-honesty, then keeping a record will help you to grow this useful human tool.

I still consume processed sugar, so this is one of my columns; as my intake reduces, I reward self with a gold star – converting five to new book. When it sometimes increases, then I can clearly see where to reflect – in the following week, thus reducing anxiety.  Some of my other column titles include: – herbal tea / stretching / getting outside, and mobility exercises.

This simple gold star and tally marks game is my road map to improving my life. It serves as a reminder that we must ultimately rely on number one; keep gratitude at the forefront of everything we do, and to bravely pilot our own planes.

I hope you find this helpful.

SUNNY wishes,

Emma x