Sometimes we’re in need of a change in our lives. That change could be losing some excess weight, reorganizing the home office or getting back into shape; in any case, we want it to happen quickly. Unfortunately, getting into a new routine takes plenty of practice.
Professionals agree that when you’re heading into a big transition, it’s hardly a good idea to just jump headlong into it. So how are you able to stay with the change you’d like to make? We all remember the children’s story of the tortoise and the hare, right? Well, you’ll be more successful if you’re the tortoise. Taking small steps are the key.
Take it Slow
Each of us is “programmed” to fight against doing painful or complex things over and over. Yet, this method tends to make it simpler for you to abandon your weight loss goal. What you need to do is relax and incorporate some fun into your workouts; or at least you should slowly move into every step forward to reach your goal.
Allow Yourself to Succeed
Get rid of those big objectives. Don’t say to yourself, “I’ll lose 15 pounds by summer.” But rather make small, precise alterations that you know you’ll achieve. For example, perhaps the first change you make is to decrease the sweets you eat during the week. When you’ve achieved this step successfully, then try adding another easy change. Before you know it, you’ll be well on your way toward your end goal.
Know Who You Are
There are many times when people make things harder than they need to be and in so doing destroy their ambitions to lose weight. Are you really going to go for that early morning run or do an exercise program at the crack of dawn when you’re not much of a morning person? Will you actually make use of that gym membership if you don’t care for being around a bunch of people? Be honest with yourself and write down all of your weaknesses as well as strengths. Once you do that, you can create goals that you’ll be able to attain.
Be Aware of the Tiniest Moments
During your busy day, think about various ways you can close the distance to your weight loss goal. If you live down the street from a grocery store, why not walk there or ride your bike to purchase the bread and milk that you need? If your job is on the second floor, climb the stairs instead of riding the elevator. Each and every second will matter!
Be Persistent
Changes aren’t going to happen over night; your exercise program and healthy eating will take at least three weeks to become a new way of life for you—so be patient. A good way to help keep track of your progress and remain steady toward your goal is to write all of your little successes in a journal every day.
Remember to Reward Yourself
We’re often our own worst critics when we fail to achieve our set goals. However, to remain inspired it’s critical that you give yourself a pat on the back for the achievements—no matter how small—that you do make. After taking a walk for several days in a row, go buy that new CD you’ve been wanting or download some new fun walking tunes. If you’ve successfully decreased your coffee drinking, indulge by purchasing a few delicious flavors of herbal tea. Your unconscious mind will push you to perform healthy habits over again if you take the time to treat yourself.
Following these five steps will assist you in going forward with your weight loss goals. Just take it one day and one step at a time. If you slip off the wagon one day, it’s okay, just jump right back on the next day—you can meet your goal now that you know how.
Teri
Latest posts by Teri (see all)
- Sleep Is a Necessary Part of Wellness - February 1, 2018
- Nutrition on the go - January 25, 2018
- Home Workouts: Lower Body - January 18, 2018
