NOTHING CHANGES, IF NOTHING CHANGES
The key to lasting change
Do you currently have a SPECIFIC health or fitness goal? What action have you taken TODAY to get you closer to that goal?
Have you ever said to yourself, "I WANT to lost weight" or "I WANT to be fitter" then continued on with your same daily routine without changing a thing? What action do you need to take to WANT something? The answer is NOTHING!
Losing weight or getting fit may feel like an impossible dream, something that may or may not be achieved in the future. Why not take action today and embrace the process. "I feel better that I'm regularly having breakfast." "I feel better that I'm walking 3 times a week". These statements are helpful and encourage a more positive mindset than "I WILL be happy WHEN I've lost weight". I WILL participate in a Fun Run WHEN I'm fitter."
Do you have a compelling reason or source of inspiration providing motivation for change? For example, giving up alcohol to lose weight for a significant birthday. Prioritising time to run 3 times a week, training for a 5km Fun Run. Once the event is over, will you maintain your newly established routine?
In my 5 years at Vision Wahroonga, I've seen many of our members successfully adopt healthier lifestyles by changing eating habits and committing to regular exercise. Having achieved fabulous weight loss and or fitness goals, some members continue to move forward setting new goals, others revert to the bad habits of the past and slide backwards.
What is the key to lasting change? Positive lifestyle changes that become routine are easily maintained. For example establishing an earlier bedtime, finding a new favourite healthy afternoon tea snack, discovering a physical activity that you really enjoy. Not everyone likes to run. What's your thing, gardening, swimming, playing tennis, cycling?
If your ultimate goal is overwhelming or seems unattainable, break it down into smaller manageable short-term actions. Is your goal S.M.A.R.T? eg. Run 5km by birthday on 10th June. Set yourself a weekly goal eg. Attend Run Club or Jog/Walk 30 mins on Tues & Fri. Do you have the support of your friends and family, do they know what you are working towards? Can you ask a friend to walk with you?
Do you have negative thoughts about past experiences, past failures that influence your current behaviour or confidence levels? Dwelling on the past or feeling anxious about the future is a waste of energy. Embrace today's opportunity, and take action NOW. What's the worst thing that can happen? Some is better than none, have you done something more consistently or better than last week?
Identify potential situations or obstacles that may challenge you. Take one day at a time. Celebrate daily successes and don't be too hard on yourself if things don't go according to plan. Allow yourself some flexibility.
Have you identified your vision for yourself? What do you need to do to achieve your goal? Are you prepared to compromise, do more or less of something, or find a healthier substitute for a favourite food or drink? When things go wrong, do you acknowledge the improvements you have made so far?
So, what are you waiting for? Take ACTION today and make it happen.
Author: Helen Kennedy
*Disclaimer: Individual results vary based on agreed goals. Click here for details.
