Making a change for the better is a goal that many people strive to achieve. Whether it is in our personal or professional lives, we want to be able to make changes that will stick, and that will improve our overall wellbeing. For many people, achieving good health seems like an impossible goal. However, with the right tools and information, it is definitely within reach! Here are some tips on how to make a lasting change for the good of your health.
Health and wellbeing is something more of us are becoming aware of. In the backdrop of the obesity crisis, and with the prevalence of drug and alcohol addiction, individuals are gradually becoming aware of the serious consequences of not taking care of themselves properly.
But for those of us looking to set health goals and achieve them, it can be difficult to know where to start. We’re all aware of fad diets that don’t have a lasting effect. So what should you be doing to achieve that much sought-after lasting change? Here are some tips.
Work With A Coach Or Mentor
It can be difficult to stick to health goals if you’re going it alone. Having someone in your corner who is experienced and knowledgeable about discipline can make all the difference. Many people think they need to work with a health or fitness coach, but the problem most people experience is with the discipline of sticking to a health routine. A discipline mentor or coach will be able to provide you with support and guidance, as well as hold you accountable for your actions.
Set Realistic Goals
One of the main reasons people fail to stick to their health goals is because they’re unrealistic. If you set yourself a goal that’s impossible to achieve, you’re setting yourself up for failure from the start. It’s important to be realistic about what you can achieve, and to set smaller goals that will lead up to your overall objective.
When it comes to health and fitness, your first goal could be to start the day with a vitamin-packed shake, or to walk for 15 minutes every day. Once you start achieving easier goals, you will build the confidence and motivation to gradually build on them.
Make A Plan
If you’re serious about making a lasting change, you need to have a plan. This plan should include what you want to achieve, and how you’re going to go about achieving it. Without a plan, it’s all too easy to get sidetracked or give up entirely.
Your plan could involve setting yourself a daily or weekly fitness goal, and then tracking your progress. This could be as simple as recording how many steps you take each day, or how long you spend working out. By seeing your progress, you’ll be more likely to stick to your plan and achieve your goals.
Work With Other Experts
If you’re struggling to figure out what nutrition you need to get to stay health and achieve weight loss goals, or if you don’t know how to create an exercise routine that will work for you, consider working with some experts to help get you started. A dietitian and a personal trainer could be just what you need to set you on the right track. You don’t necessarily need to commit to working with them long term, but they might give you an important helping hand to get you started.
Start Small
When it comes to making a lasting change, it’s important to start small. Making drastic changes all at once is more likely to lead to failure, as you’re more likely to get overwhelmed and give up.
If you’re trying to improve your diet, for example, start by making one small change at a time. If you’re used to eating fast food for lunch, try packing a healthy lunch from home instead. Once you’ve made that change and it’s become part of your routine, you can move on to making another change, such as cutting out sugary drinks.
Keep Other Aspects Of Your Life Stable
When you’re trying to make a change in one area of your life, it’s important to keep other aspects stable. If you’re trying to eat better, for example, don’t try to make too many other changes at the same time, such as starting a new job or moving house. Making too many changes all at once is more likely to lead to overwhelm and failure. If you know you have a time of stress coming up, or if your birthday or big family celebration is just around the corner, consider waiting to start your new goals just after this. You want to start at a time when you will have a clear few weeks to get established in your new routine.
Have A Plan For Handling Temptation
When you’re trying to make a change, there will be times when you’re tempted to give up or go back to your old ways. It’s important to have a plan for how you’re going to handle these temptations, so that you can stay on track.
One way to do this is to have a list of reasons why you’re making the change, and referring back to this when you’re feeling tempted. Another way is to have a support system in place, such as friends or family who will help you stay on track.
If you’re trying to give up alcohol, have a new go-to drink that you will order at the bar instead. And if people ask why you’re not drinking, own your decision rather than being apologetic about it. You want to be healthier – other people don’t have a right to have a say in this!