We all have good intentions. Eat better, exercise more, lose a few pounds, spend more time with family and friends. What happens to make those good intentions fade so quickly? Maybe it's those little gremlins in our head telling us 'it's too hard', 'no one thinks you can do it', 'you're just going to fail again' or 'you're too tired'.
Those gremlins are just voices we give to our inner fear, self doubt and insecurity. Those voices get louder when you feel hungry, tired, angry and alone. The good news is it's easy to turn off those voices and keep moving toward your goals.
So how do you stop talking yourself out of reaching your goals and start following through with your good intentions? It can be as easy as 1, 2, 3.
Step 1 - Schedule It and Do ItMany of us plan to exercise and then before you know it you're sitting on the couch and it's 10 pm. Oops! How did that happen?
Think of exercising as a very important meeting for yourself. Decide that when your kids go on the bus, it's time for you to get in the car and go to the gym. After lunch, block off thirty minutes to go for a walk (you may even eat better if you know that you need to walk after lunch!). Don't wake up in the morning and think about trying to fit in exercise, write it into your schedule. Don't think about it or plan to find some time later. Just get up and do it!
Step 2 - Get a Workout BuddyA workout buddy helps to keep you accountable. It can be a family member, friend or someone who takes the same classes as you at the gym. Agree to call or text each other if you have to miss a workout, but otherwise your workout is on!
This is a powerful tool. The guilt of having someone else know that you skipped a workout (for no good reason) may be all you need to get yourself out the door.
Step 3 - Don't Buy ItCookies, cake, candy, sugary drinks, processed foods. If it's not in the house, you can't eat it during a weak moment. This also helps get rid of the 'reward' trap.
People continue to believe that if they workout then they can have a big sugary reward. The sad news is most people eat more calories than they burn off during their workout. As a result, you see no gain from your workout (you may even gain weight) which leads to more negative self talk and feeling like you just can't do it.
The easiest way to eat healthy is to avoid bringing the junk food into the house and doing it together as a family. Don't use the excuse that your kids or spouse will be upset. It's the perfect time to experiment with new foods and flavors. You are not depriving anyone of sweets. There are tons of sweet tasting real foods that can satisfy your cravings and sweet tooth.
Success Is Within Your ReachThere's no need to take on more than you can handle. Make small changes that fit into your life. Celebrate your achievements and don't compare yourself to other people. When you hear those negative voices in your head, think about all that you have accomplished, think about all the wonderful things you can do with a healthy body and mind, and know that success is within your reach.
Those gremlins are just voices we give to our inner fear, self doubt and insecurity. Those voices get louder when you feel hungry, tired, angry and alone. The good news is it's easy to turn off those voices and keep moving toward your goals.
So how do you stop talking yourself out of reaching your goals and start following through with your good intentions? It can be as easy as 1, 2, 3.
Step 1 - Schedule It and Do ItMany of us plan to exercise and then before you know it you're sitting on the couch and it's 10 pm. Oops! How did that happen?
Think of exercising as a very important meeting for yourself. Decide that when your kids go on the bus, it's time for you to get in the car and go to the gym. After lunch, block off thirty minutes to go for a walk (you may even eat better if you know that you need to walk after lunch!). Don't wake up in the morning and think about trying to fit in exercise, write it into your schedule. Don't think about it or plan to find some time later. Just get up and do it!
Step 2 - Get a Workout BuddyA workout buddy helps to keep you accountable. It can be a family member, friend or someone who takes the same classes as you at the gym. Agree to call or text each other if you have to miss a workout, but otherwise your workout is on!
This is a powerful tool. The guilt of having someone else know that you skipped a workout (for no good reason) may be all you need to get yourself out the door.
Step 3 - Don't Buy ItCookies, cake, candy, sugary drinks, processed foods. If it's not in the house, you can't eat it during a weak moment. This also helps get rid of the 'reward' trap.
People continue to believe that if they workout then they can have a big sugary reward. The sad news is most people eat more calories than they burn off during their workout. As a result, you see no gain from your workout (you may even gain weight) which leads to more negative self talk and feeling like you just can't do it.
Success Is Within Your ReachThere's no need to take on more than you can handle. Make small changes that fit into your life. Celebrate your achievements and don't compare yourself to other people. When you hear those negative voices in your head, think about all that you have accomplished, think about all the wonderful things you can do with a healthy body and mind, and know that success is within your reach.