This is something we all struggle with from time to time: getting our act together. It's not just about knowing what diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes to make. Sometimes, the biggest hurdle is our own mindset.
Here are five tips to help you get out of your own way and start making those positive changes.
1. Acknowledge Your Excuses
We’ve all been there: “I don’t have time,” “I’ll start tomorrow,” or my personal favorite, “I just don’t feel like it.” These excuses are our mind’s way of protecting us from discomfort. Making changes is hard, so we play games with ourselves to protect us and give us an excuse not to do them, so we don’t feel like a failure or feel shame.
But the first step to overcoming these excuses is to recognize them for what they are. When you catch yourself making excuses, take a moment to reflect. Why are you avoiding this task? What are you really afraid of?
Taking a moment to reflect is brave because it will lead your mind down a path you may not have been in a while! But that’s good! Acknowledging these excuses is the first step toward overcoming them.
2. Understand Your Triggers
We all have triggers that throw us off course. It might be stress from work, a comment from a friend, or a bad night’s sleep. Understanding what sets you off can help you develop strategies to deal with these triggers. Keep a journal for a week and note down what makes you feel stressed or unmotivated.
Once you know your triggers, you can start to create a plan to deal with them. A conscious plan (taking a walk when you feel stressed or having a healthy snack when you’re feeling low on energy) is better than a habitual unconscious plan (binge-watching Netflix until 2 am while going through a tub of Häagen-Dazs).
3. Set Small, Achievable Goals
One of the biggest reasons we don’t take action is because our goals seem too daunting. It’s great to have big dreams, but breaking them down into smaller, more manageable steps can make them seem less intimidating.
The one I like the best, particularly when I don’t feel motivated, is just to do a 30-minute gym session rather than a full 60 minutes. Or if I feel particularly out of sorts, I might just do 10 minutes of mobility and that’s it. You feel like you’ve ticked that box, you’ve moved, you’ve got blood flowing to your brain, you’ve released some happy brain chemicals, you feel better.
Don’t know where to start? Get a movement assessment done.
4. Create a Support System
You don’t have to do this alone. Having a support system can make all the difference. This could be friends, family, or ideally a professional coach. Coaches are completely non-judgmental and focused 100% on your success. They will help you set achievable goals, catch you if you’re overly ambitious, help motivate you when you’re struggling, and give you a hand to pick yourself up if you fall.
Sometimes just knowing that someone else is rooting for you can give you the motivation you need to keep going. And don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. There’s no shame in leaning on others for support. Being vulnerable is not a sign of weakness but of bravery. Because it’s hard!
5. Be Kind to Yourself
Finally, remember to be kind to yourself. We’re all human, and we all make mistakes. If you slip up, don’t beat yourself up about it. Instead, treat it as a learning experience. What can you do differently next time? How can you use this setback to make you stronger?
Being an ex-smoker myself, I know that you often have to try and quit several times before you are successful. But the research shows that the more you try, the more likely each subsequent time you quit will be successful. The same goes with breaking any bad habit or starting a new one. Keep at it!
Self-compassion is key to maintaining long-term motivation. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small, and give yourself credit for the progress you’ve made.
Wrapping Up
Getting your act together isn’t about being perfect; it’s about making progress and staying committed to your goals. By understanding your mindset and taking small, actionable steps, you can overcome the barriers that are holding you back. Remember, the journey to better health and wellness is a marathon, not a sprint. Take it one step at a time, and you’ll get there.
There you have it, folks! Five tips to help you get your act together. What are some of the excuses you’ve been making? How do you plan to overcome them? Share your thoughts in the comments below. And if you need a little extra support, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re all in this together.
To your health, happiness and longevity,
The Levitise Team
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