I am always curious about why some people reach their goals and others seem to never make the connection. So I asked myself, “What is it that people really want?” I came to the conclusion that most people simply want to find the place where healthy meets enjoyable. What does that mean? Well, most people want to be healthier, but they want to do that in way that is manageable and that fits them personally.
This requires you to do some self-study and to discover what makes you tick. You must first understand the reasons you got to where you are, before you can move on to someplace new. Many people do not want to look into the “whys.” Without this crucial step, progress usually stalls. When you begin to see how you got somewhere, then you can evaluate where you got off track and begin making headway toward your intended destination.
Many people make weight loss a goal, but they never consider what their lifestyle would have to look like to achieve and maintain that weight. Most often it is unrealistic to choose such a low number on the scale, due to the kind of lifestyle you would have to live, not just to get to that weight, but to stay there. That is the main reason I encourage people to focus on improving their fitness versus losing their fatness.
When you switch your motivation you will improve your results. This has to do with your focus. When you think about what you want to achieve, versus what you are trying to avoid, you will enjoy the process much more. This accelerates your progress in the direction you are trying to go. By finding a way to enjoy the process of healthier living you will begin to naturally achieve your goals. If you try to force your goals, the results will only be temporary as you return back to the old familiar habits.
I often discuss the importance of lifestyle. It is all about how you choose to live your life on a day to day basis. When you find ways to add healthier behaviors that you enjoy, you will be more likely to keep them up. If you do something you don’t enjoy just to be healthier then it is usually temporary.
The key is finding things that fit you. When you are willing to change your habits and routines, you will begin to see the progress. Stop and start efforts will never work, it will take a commitment to a new approach to living.
I look at most wellness professionals and they often appear to naturally enjoy exercising and eating healthy. From the sound of their messages they don’t understand what it is like to crave junk food, or to be unmotivated to move more. In their lifestyle, it just makes sense. What I have learned is that you have to meet people where they are.
People have to change their thinking and set their resolve. With the right mindset it will be easier to implement lifestyle changes that will stick. Those changes should be specific to your goals, but more important perhaps is that they are in line with why you made the goal in the first place.
How do you get something different? You must do different things. Until you are willing change your habits, you will be unable to get the kind of results you seek. It is time to stop thinking about all the things you should or should not be doing!
There is power in action. Start with each choice and begin to plan a schedule that includes activity and plans for healthier eating. Make today a great day, then wake up and do the same thing again tomorrow.
Overtime if you continue this day by day approach, you will string together a lifestyle of healthy choices. This is when you will begin to see the realistic goal you have set. When your head, heart and habits all line up, you will create that magical place where healthy meets enjoyable.
“Wellness Matters” Article Series by Lisa Schilling RN, CPT
Speaker, Writer, Wellness Coach & Consultant
Lisa is the author of “The Get R.E.A.L. Guide to Health and Fitness.” She is a wife and mother of three boys. Lisa Schilling is a Registered Nurse, author and recovering pageant queen, who spreads hope with her Get REAL approach to wellness. She empowers women, caregivers and groups to unleash their fullest potential by helping them to see their true beauty and discover their REAL value.
She feels passionate about sharing her knowledge and time to help others improve their personal health and wellness. Lisa uses her enthusiasm to teach people to value and appreciate who they are. She helps people build a bridge from where they are, to where they want to be.
