Ever wonder why the gym is packed on January 1st? Well, in the last 25 years, resolutions concerning weight, exercise, better relationships, and smoking cessation have been at the top of the list for both men and women. And with good reason. EVERYONE spends time thinking about the past year and how they want to do things differently in the new year ahead.
I can honestly say that I spend time reflecting and making goals for the new year. Like the Nike sports slogan, “Just Do It”. I believe that if you believe it you can become it. Action is an essential component in making change, but as you know, it’s not so easy. It’s not that people don’t want to change (some don’t) but doing anything differently than you’ve ever done it before or thinking in a new way is actually quite a complex issue. Making a lasting change in behavior is rarely a simple process, and usually involves a substantial commitment of time, effort and emotion.
When my clients come to see me for help with weight loss I always tell them that I don’t have a magic pill. I tell them that there is no single solution that works for everyone. I tell them that they may have to try several different techniques, often through a process of trial-and-error, in order to achieve their goal. Change is a process and it is a matter of taking small steps toward a larger goal. This is not meant to discourage anyone, I am just not the type to “sugar-coat” the path.
When an individual decides to make a change, they go through 5 stages:
- Pre-contemplation- this involves thinking about making a change. Are you really ready to make a change? What are the pros and cons of a behavior change? Make a list. If the pros don’t significantly out-weigh the cons, you are not ready to move on.
- Contemplation- You have declared your intention to change but just don’t feel ready to take immediate action. So, the best thing to do is to ask for help and begin slowly so that you don’t go full speed ahead without a plan. HELLO- CALL ME!
- Preparation- It’s still not pedal to the metal, just yet. It’s time to make small positive changes and slowly and gently (baby steps as they are often called). Once you are regularly performing one of your steps without too much struggle, you can add the the next small step. This way you can really begin repeating the desired actions over and over.
- Action- You can really begin to find alternatives to bad habits and replace them. Begin to visualize how you will look and feel when you have made the desired change. It is often hard for people to imagine themselves at goal until this point. It is also important to pre-plan rewards for yourself as you achieve short-term goals. Focus closely on keeping yourself on track each day. This is no time to lose your clarity and regress.
- Motivate/Maintain- Your work is not done just because you have achieved your goal. In my opinion, it is just beginning! I believe that you need to continue to remind yourself why you are doing what you are doing. Note the difficulties you have had to overcome to get here and give yourself tons of credit but stay on your toes. I believe that you need to constantly renew your commitment and find new challenges. And, if you do relapse, evaluate the situation immediately and learn from it.
CHANGE IS POSSIBLE AND YOU CAN DO ANYTHING!
HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR!!!
