How Truckers Successfully Keep New Year's Resolutions

The start of a new year is as good of a time as any to try and kick a bad habit or develop a good one. But, like anything worth doing, you're going to have to work for it. Conventional wisdom tells us that it only takes doing something for 21 consecutive days to develop that habit. If only it were that quick! On average, it really takes 66 days. Which still isn't bad, when you consider the long-term benefits of self-improvement.

For truckers, that average can be easily raised or brought down, based on your level of dedication. This is when you can make your career work for you. Think about it: because you spend most of your day alone, you're not exposed to temptations unless you choose to be. That's one upside when you're trying to cut back on sugar or quit smoking. However, it can also be a downside if you're looking to be more active.

Here are a few ways you can keep yourself motivated this new year, and the entire year throughout.

Try setting SMART goals. Most people lose track of their goals because they aren't specific enough. They go in to the gym, for example, and simply pay for a membership in hopes that they will attend. But they never really hold themselves to any standard. SMART goals help in holding you to a standard. First, you're forced to write it down (the simple act of which is proven to increase your odds of achieving that goal). Second, the SMART goal standard forces you to make them:

Specific (Don't just say that you want to "lose weight." Also, envision your end result.),
Measurable (How will you determine your progress?),
Attainable (Don't set a goal of losing 50 pounds in a month),
Relevant (How will achieving this goal help you in some aspect of your life?), and
Time-Bound (How long are you giving yourself to reach this goal? How frequently will you check in with yourself?).

Keep a reminder of your goal within plain sight. If you put all the work into writing down your goal and then tuck it away in your overnight bag, it won't do you much good. Tape the goal sheet to your dash, or find an inspirational image or quote to help you to stay motivated.

Eliminate temptations. If you're trying to eat healthier, don't buy a pack of Oreos when you know you're going to have to look at it every single time you open your food cabinet (if you're really craving a treat, go out and buy one serving). If you plan to quit smoking, try and replace smoke breaks at the truck stop with something else to keep you occupied, like browsing our twitter page. :)

Ask friends and family for support. If you are a team driver and trying to quit smoking while your teammate is still smoking like freshly doused fire, the best thing to do is to let him know. Have someone you can call when you feel tempted, etc. Set up a support network, and don't make people guess. They'll never know they're sabotaging your goals if you don't tell them in the first place.

Finally, don't beat yourself up if you fall short. Achieving goals is not a linear path. You will have setbacks, and there will be points when it gets very hard and you want to give up. Prepare for this, and plan what you will do when those setbacks and difficult moments happen. Planning and preparing will prevent you from giving up altogether when things get tough.

As a truck driver, you're in a unique position to do just about anything you set your mind to. While your job is stressful, exhausting, and even dangerous at times, you can use this time of solitude in your truck as a great assistant to achieving your goals. Let that time work for you, and not against you: The fact that your hands are distracted by steering the truck is a great smoking deterrent, if that's your resolution. If reading more often is something you've been meaning to do, all your hours behind the wheel will allow for many audio books.  If you wish to work on your relationship with your spouse, slap on that bluetooth and give her a call more often. Psych yourself up, not out, and be creative! You're a trucker; you can do anything and go anywhere the road takes you.