Spring is in full swing and you haven't made the progress on your health goals you intended to make. "I've been on a diet for two weeks and all I've lost is two weeks!" Does this sound familiar? For many of us - it does!
At this point health seekers are likely to 1- give up and give in or 2- do something drastic to try and "make up" the lost time. Unfortunately, neither approach works. In fact, these reactions to a set back actually keep us in the cycle of try and fail.
When you are experiencing a set back, the number one goal is to break the cycle of try and fail.
Before you try again STOP! Take some time to think about what is getting in the way of success.
Is it something outside of yourself--like demands on your time, no gym membership, or unhealthy choices in the vending machine? You need to troubleshoot these obstacles. Some examples for these obstacles include scheduling your priorities, delegating some of your responsibilities, instead of the gym - try walking or an exercise video, or try packing a lunch. Only you will know the best options for these external obstacles.
Often our setbacks are a result of what's on the inside of us. You may need to work with a wellness coach to help you find these internal obstacles, or list them out yourself by asking yourself "Is my thinking or self talk preventing me from achieving my goals?" For example, with regard to lack of time, many people do not recognize that it's their thinking that makes it impossible to fit in exercise. Perhaps they believe everything else has to be completed before they exercise, or they feel guilty if they take time from family for themselves. Others look at setbacks as failure and they expend most of their energy lamenting their lack of progress. It's nearly impossible to get excited about making a change if you're wallowing in negative energy!
How to get back on track? Renew your vision and your goals. Excite yourself with all the wonderful reasons why you want to improve your health. RIGHT NOW! Make a list of all the reasons you want what you want. List as many reasons as you can and be specific. As your coach, I'm challenging you to come up with at least 10 reasons to improve your health. Now, post these reasons in several places as reminders. Get positive - get moving!
Share your Top 10 with others. Post them here!