It has been well documented that, when we know where we're going, and why we're going there, the path seems much less difficult. Obstacles are less likely to stop us; they are viewed merely as setbacks, or small annoyances, to be overcome.
Most goals in life require us to overcome some obstacles along the way. This is particularly true in weight management and losing body fat. Getting a clear picture of what these obstacles have been for us in the past is helpful. This can also help us identify what they are likely to be in the future. Once we have identified the obstacles, we can develop strategies for overcoming them.
Obstacles can be both external and internal. For instance, the most common obstacle to becoming more physically active is finding time to exercise (an external obstacle). What you say to yourself (an internal obstacle) can also be an important influence on your behavior. Negative self-talk (e.g. focusing on all the times you haven’t achieved your eating and exercise goals in the past) is more likely to dissuade you from (rather than encourage you in) changing your eating and activity patterns.
So how do you determine 1) where you are going and 2) why you are going there? It's easy to say, "I want to lose 20 pounds." That may be so but Step 4 is about the very personal and critical reasons that you have undertaken this project of getting your body back, your own personal ‘why’. Everyone has their own definition of a successful outcome. We are going to discover your personal and unique reasons for being in this program, at this time in your life.
A) Take 10-15 minutes right now to make a list of all the reasons why you want to transform your body. Include all of the outcomes that you want. These are YOUR desires, YOUR reasons (not your spouse's or your family's reasons). Maybe you'd like to go swimming with the grandkids next summer. Maybe you'd like to run a 10K for charity next Spring. Think of the BIG reasons. Go wild here (no evaluations allowed, just make the list).
B) Next blog, we'll put together your Personal Mission Statement for Body Transformation.
Now, get writing! I just know that you can Get Your Body Back...
2 comments:
just wanted to say I'm not e-mailing, cause I'm still struggling with the idea of actually doing the work:) but I am reading and I really appreciate you putting this blog online.
Hi afm,
What can I say? I'm thrilled that you're reading my blog because it really does say some important stuff - my humble opinion! In counsellor language, it sounds like you are at the pre-contemplative stage of change...You're thinking about the possibility of change. That's a good thing. Keep up the good work. None of us is ready til we're ready...Billie
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