Many of us don’t bother with New Year’s Resolutions anymore, which seem doomed to failure. However, it’s definitely worthwhile to re-evaluate our habits every now and then. Take a look at this striking quote about the nature of a habit:

“I am your constant companion. I am your greatest helper or heaviest burden. I will push you onward or drag you down to failure. I am completely at your command. Half of the things you do you might just as well turn over to me and I will be able to do them quickly and correctly. I am easily managed – you must merely be firm with me. Show me exactly how you want something done and after a few lessons I will do it automatically.

I am the servant of all great men; and alas, of all failures as well. Those who are great, I have made great. Those who are failures, I have made failures. I am not a machine, though I work with all the precision of a machine plus the intelligence of a man. You may run me for profit or run me for ruin – it makes no difference to me. Take me, train me, be firm with me, and I will place the world at your feet. Be easy with me and I will destroy you.

Who am I? I am habit!”

It takes 21 days to create a habit. Now is a good time to choose a habit that will move you forward and firmly hold to it. When I was younger I used to start the new year with great plans that petered out by the end of January. This year I’m focusing on smaller goals, like walking 30 minutes every day, that are achievable and will make a difference in my life. What about you?

Nicole Scheidl is the founder of Fit Minds, which provides support in the area of cognitive health.