You deserve to be the best version of yourself, to wake up each day and know you have something to accomplish and a goal to obtain. But nobody said making this kind of commitment – one to yourself, is going to be easy. If turning your health and fitness goals into a reality feels overwhelming, you’re not alone.
Reaching any goal requires you to make changes. And asking yourself to alter habits or behaviors that you have cultivated over your lifetime, whether intentionally or subconsciously through repetition, is a tall order.
We’ve spent years unlocking the mystery of behaviour change to help people improve their health, fitness and mindset and we’ve uncovered several methods to help you to take small, achievable steps that will lead you to long term success.
A common misconception about behaviour change is that the process is going to be difficult, but the results will come quickly. In reality, the success lies in making small, achievable changes over a long period of time, creating healthy habits that last.
That is the real truth to success – commitment over time.
To adopt healthy behaviors; eat healthy, exercise daily, sleep well and manage stress—you must have patience and do what you can to make it fun. Use these methods in your own life to start taking small, yet impactful steps toward better health and fitness.
- Start a gratitude
The power of positivity is a huge weapon in your locker. One of the most effective forms of adopting a positive psychology is gratitude journaling – simply appreciating what you have. In the morning before you get on your phone or turn on the TV, sit down with pen and paper and write down three things you are grateful for. This can be anything from clean air or a sunny day to the cup of coffee you’re drinking as you write.
You could also take a mindful walk through nature, stopping to appreciate the sights and sounds. Trust me, it’s amazing how this can impact your life.
- Create a smart goal.
If you want to become faster, to run further, you’d likely sign up for a 5K event, as a specific goal that you can work towards – apply this to each area of your life. Setting yourself realistic, attainable goals will help your training experience to be more enjoyable and rewarding.
This same process can be used with a wide range of goals, including losing weight, increasing strength or improving your diet. The key is to make sure that your goal includes all the elements of a smart goal, so you end up with a specific plan rather than a vague idea of what you need to do to achieve it.
- Find your tribe.
Of all the things that will help you change your health- and exercise-related behaviors, community might be the most powerful. Feeling like you’ve done a good job, owning your changes and embracing the power of community and connecting with others are the bedrocks of positive change.
Join a walking club, find a family member or friend to train with or better still, join a gym and a fitness community that has your back and wills you to succeed. You’ll soon see how the accountability and shared experience with another person increases your motivation and determination.
Rome wasn’t built in a day, right? Change is not easy and it takes time. Don’t underestimate the power of a good mindset, be curious about this process and have fun with your journey.
