We’ve all had that “stuck” feeling, when you’re caught in an unhealthy pattern and don’t know what to do about it. Your motivation to make any sort of positive change seems to dissolve by the day. You’re waiting for a jolt of lightening to shock you into action, but it never comes. I know what that’s like.
For me, it happened when I started putting on weight while traveling for work. Week after week, I would look in the mirror and just see a blob. I felt guilty about skipping workouts and my sadness would trigger uncontrollable chocolate cravings. I didn’t know where or how to turn the corner. I’m supposed to be a healthy lifestyle expert, I thought, but the answers weren’t coming to me quickly enough. It took a few weeks, but here’s what I finally figured out.
Step 1. Wake up. You have to realize that those unhealthy thoughts and behaviors are not true to your authentic self or who you want to be. My moment of truth occurred when I finally stepped on the scale and saw a number that I couldn’t ignore.
Step 2. Strike a bargain. Instead of waiting for motivation, approach the issue unemotionally. Think about what you can do to pull yourself out of the rut you’re in. I decided to bring my gym shoes to the airport and wear my workout clothes on the plane. I figured that if I could do 15-20 minutes of walking before I got on the plane, I could blaze right past that chocolate muffin stand.
Step 3. Keep taking action. Change happens because of what you do, not how you feel. I believe that every obstacle is an opportunity to confirm your inner strength and realign your actions with your true direction. I was stuck in autopilot and lost track of practicing the lifestyle that I preach. Now that I’ve reengaged, I’m grateful for what I went through. Keep in mind that we all tend to drift off course, but you can always find your way back. It’s part of the growing process.
Step 2. Strike a bargain. Instead of waiting for motivation, approach the issue unemotionally. Think about what you can do to pull yourself out of the rut you’re in. I decided to bring my gym shoes to the airport and wear my workout clothes on the plane. I figured that if I could do 15-20 minutes of walking before I got on the plane, I could blaze right past that chocolate muffin stand.
Step 3. Keep taking action. Change happens because of what you do, not how you feel. I believe that every obstacle is an opportunity to confirm your inner strength and realign your actions with your true direction. I was stuck in autopilot and lost track of practicing the lifestyle that I preach. Now that I’ve reengaged, I’m grateful for what I went through. Keep in mind that we all tend to drift off course, but you can always find your way back. It’s part of the growing process.
No comments:
Post a Comment