You are lying there in bed. It is warm and comfortable. Then, you begin to negotiate with yourself about whether you really want to get up and go for a run, make a healthy breakfast, or pray and read your Bible.

Researchers tell us that it takes 28 days of self-negotiation before we form a habit. A habit is when a practice becomes second nature, and you do it without having to talk yourself into it.

This is why it is easier to make changes in your life if you do it with other people. You not only have an internal argument, but you have to deal with another person or group of people and argue with them about why you didn’t follow through on your plans.

So, if you are struggling again this year to start those habits that will transform you for the better. Find someone else who is also struggling, and together, maybe you can finally defeat that warm, comfortable bed. Two are better than one because you can always talk yourself out of good ideas.