Understand what calls you to meditate. Is it improvement of health? Reduction of anxiety? A greater connection to something bigger? Curiosity? All of there are great reasons. If you need additional motivation, reading about the benefits of meditation may be helpful. Here is a nice starter list: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/05/14/meditation-mind-body-spirit_n_5291361.html
Think about what will get in your way. It could be anything from the difficulty in finding a quiet space for 30 minutes to inner doubts about your ability to meditate. Spend some time thinking about how to resolve these obstacles. Inner judgments can be difficult – perhaps just vow to ignore them for the first the 30 days of your practice – that will allow you to become more comfortable with the practice.
Find meditation instruction – whether in a class or with a book or audio program. Guided meditation is great for the beginner. A voice can bring you back to meditating when your mind wanders.
Meditate in a group. For some reason, group mediation has always been very special for me. I have not find any research on it, but I feel supported in my meditation when with others. I find it easier to enter into the meditative state and stay there.
