The beginning of a brand new year just screams out for establishing new, better, healthier habits! And most people try to do just that. Unfortunately, their efforts are woefully short-lived and totally ineffective. Making New Year’s resolutions usually doesn’t last past mid-January. And most people’s renewed commitment to work out at the gym 5 days a week often doesn’t even last that long! Some of the most “popular” resolutions are to quit smoking or drinking, exercise more, clean up the diet and lose weight.
So why are most people so unsuccessful at following through even though they sincerely want to? Well I think part of the reason is being unrealistic. For example, take a couch potato who decides they will now work out 1-2 hours a day at the gym. They’re excited to begin. And often after 2 or 3 days they just give up. Why? They bit off more than they could chew. If you haven’t exercised in years, subjecting your body to that much exercise that quickly will result in very sore muscles and feeling tired and achy. You will most likely listen to your body when it begs you to just skip the gym today. And then you slip back into your old couch potato ways before the week is out.
It doesn’t have to be all or nothing! In fact, that’s not the best way to begin anything new. It is much better to begin slowly and gradually and work up to the 1 or 2 hours you would eventually like to be your routine. (By the way, I don’t think anyone has to work out that much each day to be fit and healthy but it also depends on what type of exercise you enjoy and how much time you have. But that’s another post altogether!)
The same goes for cleaning up your diet. You will be much more successful if you cut out one thing – potato chips, sodas, artificial sweeteners – whatever is on your list and then once you’ve successfully eliminated that over a period of time, move on to the next thing. Baby steps are a foundational principle of my coaching and the reason for that is they work!
There can be other underlying reasons for not following through. When I work with clients we address them specifically, but since I don’t know you personally and what might be at play in your situation, I offer my Mindsweeper Home Study Course. Any goal which is not tied to a specific behavior is nearly impossible for your brain to focus on. So in this course we will walk through 3 months unraveling the issues that maybe keeping you stuck such as: Focus and Distraction; Focus and Success; The Power of Pictures and Imagination; The Power of Emotions; Changing the Picture; Determination; Perseverance and so much more!
I have found through personal experience and from working with many clients that unless you address your thinking and beliefs, it will be almost impossible to make real, lasting change.
What do you think has been preventing you from following through with your desire to make improvements in your health?
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Ha! This is me! Part of it’s just how I’m wired and I’ve always been this way.
I’ve always wanted to be a runner, but every time I run, I run a 5k and am so sore I don’t run again for two years. I’ve had the same issue with yoga. It really takes effort to slow it down and start small, but once I do, I’m always amazed at how quickly I advance.
Great post Ann. This can be applied to all habits, not just health. Happy, happy New Year!
For sure Holly – we are all wired differently – some of us are “all or nothing” and some find baby steps easier. While you must keep in line with your wiring it sometimes is good to try it a different way – especially if you are not enjoying the success you want. Thank you my friend – I appreciate your input.
One thing I will say about the all or nothing approach – it can be a huge confidence booster. Sticking with the running theme, when I went from 0 to 5k, I was pretty impressed with myself. Realizing my fitness level and my bodies potential, helped to push me in other areas. But I agree that baby steps are still the best for long term results.
There is definitely a place for both ways.
I hadn’t thought about the need to focus on a specific behavior not just an abstract goal. I like that.
Thank you Debbie.