Every year at this time we stress ourselves with resolutions. We feel compelled
to “fix” ourselves, but lifestyle solutions can come at any
time. If we want to succeed we need to be honest and patient with ourselves.
How can we use the newness of the year to achieve those solutions?
Focus on the
solution not the problem. Understand what you want to solve. Break the issue into small, daily,
manageable steps. Look at what you can do
today rather than “I have to lose 30 lbs.” Ask yourself: “Do
I know and acknowledge the steps needed for success?”
For example: I want to stop smoking. What’s involved with being successful?
- How do I ease the urge? Can I carry a jug of water? Packs of gum?
- How do I help myself do other things when the urge to smoke happens?
- Have I arranged for support for my endeavor? Have I contacted people who
can help me?
- Am I willing to follow all the steps necessary to succeed?
- How badly do I really want to stop? Am I being honest with myself?
Or: I want to lose weight. What are the steps to success? Am I honestly
committed?
- Do I know how much weight I want to lose?
- What am I willing to change to achieve weight loss?
- Am I willing to change my diet?
- Am I willing to get daily exercise?
- Am I willing to drink more water and go to sleep earlier?
- Am I being honest with myself?
Instead of focusing on the problem (lack of willpower, 30 lbs., etc.),
focus strongly on
each individual step needed to achieve success.
Avoid kicking yourself. Don’t get ahead of yourself. Stay in the present moment with the
simple, specific tasks needed to get the solution you want. By completing
one task at a time, you start to solve the issue successfully. You must
be patient with yourself. Rome wasn’t built in a day. How long did
it take to gain the weight? How long have you been smoking? You cannot
make permanent changes quickly. It’s a long term investment that
will achieve your goals.
Have a list of small actions you can accomplish:
- When you want to smoke, chew gum, fill up on water, talk to a supportive friend.
- Take 10 minutes at lunch time to walk briskly
- Prepare your lunch at home so you aren’t tempted to buy processed
food when stressed
- Fill up on fruits and veggies
- Don’t purchase your temptation foods. See those foods with a new
lens - those foods are not your friends.
- Watch 20 minutes less TV or Facebook, and take a brisk walk instead. Outside
you’ll gain fresh air, more oxygen, a better frame of mind and an
easing of tension.
If you can be patient with the process, and work with one task at a time
toward your goal, seek out support from professionals, friends and family,
you can achieve those solutions.
Visit
http://www.valleyhealthlink.com/Wellness-Fitness to learn how Valley Health Wellness & Fitness can help you achieve
your health goals.
Written by: Deborah K. Inaba, MBA, MS, ACSM-RCEP, Exercise Physiologist,
Shenandoah Memorial Hospital Fitness Services