Decide, Commit, and Blossom!
We will cover what an ideal situation looks like and then discuss more realistic situations.
Before we move forward I want to clarify a key point that will have a profound effect once we have made our decision.
Once we make a decision to move forward to a healthier life, we are committing to that decision and all the efforts that will accompany making the decision real. In other words, our decision is a commitment to do what we have to do to make it happen. This is why we spend a majority of our time in the decision making process.
We should rename the process, “the commitment making process.” There are going to be set backs and times we fall of the wagon. Depending upon how committed we are will determine how fast we get back to our commitments and what we do in the mean time. Our commitment and motivation levels will fluctuate. How can we stay motivated and committed?
STEPS IN MAKING A DECISION INTO A COMMITMENT
1) Define your goals and why they are important to you.
Here are the most common responses that people give me when asked what their health and fitness goals are:
I want more energy, more confidence, and to be happier with myself. I want to feel better. I want to get rid of my back pain. I don’t want to be out of breathe going up the stairs.
I want to lose my belly. I want to tone my arms and legs.
I want to get stronger. I want a stronger core. More stamina, more endurance.
And I ask WHY are these goals important to you? Dig deeper when honestly answering why. At the most basic level you will find that you will be happier and you will feel more alive once you have accomplished greater health and a higher fitness level. These are facts!
Use the S.M.A.R.T principles when defining your goals.
Specific- Set specific goals. I will lose 10 lbs. I will lose 3 inches from my waist. I will lower my stress level, currently a 9 to a 5 within a month. I will increase my strength by 50% in 6 months are less. I will reduce my bodyfat% by 3% over the next 6-8 weeks.
Use these guidelines from ACSM to improve your chances of success. These guidelines are a good place to start. We call the guidelines, how we will accomplish our goals, our process goals.
Examples of process goals to use:
I will (commit to) weight training at least 3 x week for at least 45 minutes
I (will commit) to doing 30 minutes of cardiovascular training, either jogging or walking for at least 3 x a week.
I will cut my daily caloric intake by 500 calories.
Measurable- tangible results will keep you motivated. Assess where you are starting from so you can track your progress.
Attainable- action oriented.
Realistic- relevant and rewarding.
Time measurable- I will lose 5lbs in 5 weeks
2) Develop Alternatives- if it rains today, I will substitute my outdoor walk/jog for with my Yoga DVD workout.
3) Evaluate the Alternatives- be honest about what is realistic for you. Set yourself up for success by participating in physical activity that you are good at and or enjoy. Who or what will provide you with the best SUPPORT?
Ask for the support of your friends, family, class, coach, and/or trainer to ensure your success! We need the help of someone we can count on and who is dependable.
You are your most important investment, so invest in yourself!
4) Make a commitment- self explanatory
5) Implement the solution- get started
6) Monitor your solution- evaluate your progress daily, weekly, and monthly.
As time goes by we produce results, or lack there of. Our journeys will tell us if we are progressing or regressing. Just like our journeys will be continued, so will our conversation…. to be continued, stay tuned!