Unfortunately, as you’re reading this now, you’re realizing that you may have slipped back into some old familiar habits that you were determined to break. No worries! Let’s create a game plan for you to get back on track right now so you can unleash that lean, fit, energetic, vibrant and confident person you’re meant to be.
Where do you begin?
The first step is figuring out what it is that you want. Sounds simple but without that clear vision, it’s difficult to achieve your goal. For example, you may have a goal like “I want to feel better” or “I want to lose weight” but that’s as general as saying “I want to go on a fabulous vacation.” A fabulous vacation can mean just about anything and without that clear vision, it’s impossible to narrow down a place to go and the steps it would take to get there.
Instead, if you were more specific and decided to go to a fabulous destination like Hawaii for example, you’d have that vision in your mind and based on that, purchase a ticket, know what you needed to pack and the steps you needed to take in order to ensure your dream vacation was underway. It’s the same with weight loss, health and fitness success. With a crystal clear vision of who you’d be and how you’d look and feel with those changes made, it’s easier to see that steps you’d need to take in order to make that vision a reality.
So what’s next?
Once you have a crystal clear vision, the next step is determining your greatest obstacle that’s preventing you from achieving your goal. Is it the idea of regularly following a workout plan, giving up junk food or preplanning healthy meals and snacks? Dig deep and choose the obstacle that seems to be the one that keeps you stuck most often.
Now, once you’ve discovered your obstacle, immediately create a strategy to overcome it. For example, if working out regularly gets the best of you, what would help? Do you need accountability, a gym that’s more convenient or regular sessions with a personal trainer? Would working out at home serve you better or would working out first thing in the morning ensure it gets done?
Once you find a strategy that would help you overcome your greatest obstacle, immediately take steps toward implementing that one strategy. For example, using our obstacle of not getting a regular workout in and determining what you’d need to ensure you do, immediately either set up a simple home gym, make a few calls to find the right personal trainer or set your alarm clock to get in a workout before your day typically begins. This proactive measure and commitment towards change acts as the fuel you need to create those new, healthy habits.
What’s next?
Studies have found that what we track and measure improves. With that in mind, come up with a simple system to track your progress whether that means checking off the days on a calendar, finding a phone app to keep you accountable or some other method that’ll work well for you. It doesn’t have to be fancy or detailed, just something to keep you focused, on track and impressed with your commitment to move forward. After working with thousands of women over the last 21 years I can say that while reading these words may inspire you, committing to act right now with your new strategy to keep track of your progress will guarantee better results.
Here’s another important step worth mentioning…
Creating new, healthy habits take traits like commitment, dedication and consistency. It takes overcoming your old, familiar ways for new unfamiliar habits that may at times feel strange and uncomfortable. This isn’t easy and slipping from time to time is inevitable. When you do, please keep this in mind:
We all slip, it’s human and it’s expected. Instead of berating yourself for the slip, make a commitment to treat yourself as you’d treat a friend. For example, if a friend fell off track, you’d lovingly and with compassion encourage her to get back on. You’d let her know it’s normal, expected and you’d make sure she knew you believed in her and she can do it. Treat yourself with the same love and compassion that you so easily give to others and watch your vision slowly and finally become a reality.
Go get ‘em!
