Almost everyone who begins a health journey starts with a spark. You watch a video, read an article, or look at a transformation photo and think, “I can do that. I can change my life.” That feeling is powerful, and it’s a great way to get started. But there is a big difference between the feeling of possibility and the reality of the work.
It’s easy to want the energy, the confidence, and the clothes that fit perfectly. It is much harder to be willing to prepare meals when you’re tired, to choose water when you’re craving soda, or to get moving when the couch is calling your name.
Your level of commitment is the only thing that determines whether you actually reach your goal or if you’ll simply fizzle out and stop short.
When you move from “I believe I can” to “I am willing to do whatever is necessary,” everything can change. You stop looking for the shortcut or the “hack,” and you start embracing the process.
So, how do you shift from passive belief to active commitment in your own body and life? It comes down to how you handle everyday life.
Ways to turn your commitment into action:
- Understand your “why?” Your “why?” is your intrinsic motivation and your highest stimulus for change. It drives you into action because it’s what you want to do. It inspires you to grow and be better. To help discover your “why?” make a list of the reasons you started your journey to optimal health — and remember to pull it out when you need a little positive reinforcement. Learn more starting on page 36, Element 01, of Your LifeBook.
- Set non-negotiables. Stop treating your health like an “if I have time” activity. Decide that your morning walk or your healthy breakfast is a non-negotiable, just like brushing your teeth or paying your mortgage.
- Track your wins (and your slips). I talk about the importance of journaling a lot, and that’s because it’s a great tool to help keep you on track. Taking 5 minutes — or more — to write down what you’ve eaten, what you did, and how you felt about your choices can reveal powerful insights about your habits and triggers.
- Take small steps. You can’t expect to run a marathon when you first start jogging. Add more movement to your day slowly by building it onto your existing habits. For example, parking farther from the entrance to the store or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Small changes like these can add up over time.
- Lean on your circle. True commitment doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. Be willing to admit when you’re struggling and reach out to your coach, family, friends or community.
The gap between where you are and where you want to be is called action. Stop wondering if you can do it and start deciding that you will.
Don’t allow yourself to fizzle out!