Why is it so hard to change? The exact reasons are different for everybody but one thing is certain: we all spend a lot of time falling into very similar traps.

The best way to avoid them? Face them head on:

• Expecting too much/Not expecting enough People who are good at change can see both the short term and long term accurately -- they know what they can do in the next 30 days and in the next 3 months. Be honest and realistic with yourself when setting goals.
  
• Letting others bring you down Those around you might not mean to drag you into the dumps, but seeing you working so hard and being successful could be reminding them of their own short-comings. Refuse to let the negative energy of others affect your positive momentum.
• Self-sabotage You might not mean to bring yourself down, either, but all too often we do just that to ourselves. Look deep to see if there are reasons, like fear, that you might be wrecking your own plans.

Thanks to Natural Health magazine.