US Diet ClubWelcome to the First American Diet Club!
The Secrets to Creating Sustainable Lifestyle Changes
During a recent appointment with one of my patients, we discussed what lifestyle habits she wanted to practice and refine in the New Year. She was doing well, persistently slugging it out with her self destruction demons, chief of which was a chronic lack of planning.
Recently she decided to be more mindful and was achieving better success with her nutrition and physical activity. So, in response to my question about the next 12 months, she said, “Of course I’ll keep working on controlling my stress, while improving my nutrition and exercise. And I’m also committing to schedule time to dance more and sail in the spring and summertime.”
I loved her response because it wasn’t all about eating and activity. It was about incorporating joy as well. Make a list of things that give you joy and make certain you include them in your lifestyle habits as well. Your baseline self care habits allow you to fully enjoy yourself. It’s a terrific win win.
So, how can you keep the balling rolling and make your new lifestyle changes really stick?
Here are ten secrets to help guide you.
1. Make a public commitment. Write down your commitment, frame it and keep it in plain sight. Tell your best friend, or partner, or your dog. Just make it public and make sure it stays front and center in your life.
2. Get serious. We’re not playing around here. There is no wishy washiness about your commitment. Your change is a non-negotiable. You have dreams to fulfill. Let’s get going!
3. Neutralize Excuses. Watch out for excuses that may come tumbling out of your mouth. Neutralize them with your focusing mantra— “I will not allow my job to push me to self destruction.” Develop a neutralizing self dialogue.
4. Progress not perfection. Perfection leads to procrastination and paralysis. Instead, concentrate on mini triumphs gotten from the small steps you take. Write it in ink on your schedule. This is part of your commitment.
5. Don’t over think. When the time comes to do your walk or cook your healthy meal, don’t ponder. Just do it.
6. Journal your progress. Writing about your transformation helps you stay accountable. It also guides you to where the major challenges may be.
7. See the big picture. All of these small steps are leading you to become a mentally and physically stronger person who can now live your dreams.
8. Choose carefully. Life is full of endless opportunities to choose. Be mindful of your choices in self care. Keep asking yourself, “Is this choice going to help me fulfill my goals?”
9. Inspire others. I love the adage of “see one, do one, teach one”. Doesn’t it feel wonderful when someone walks up to you and tells you how much you have inspired their life journey. Help others as much as you feel comfortable doing.
10. Be gentle with yourself. People are judged not only by the way they treat others, but also by how they treat themselves. You are your own best friend. Never forget it.
Labels: healthy lifestyle, motivation
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