The Process of Change
How hard is it to change eating and lifestyle habits? Why do we not always succeed? What can make the difference? As I continue to develop my business and deal with a larger client base it is clear that people’s belief in their own ability to succeed is a major factor in answer to those questions.
There are a few clues that the diagram above originated in America, can you spot them? Apart from the ‘awesomeness and ass’ I don’t think many of my clients are actually ‘scared’ maybe nervous, but not scared! The journey however is universal for anyone who tries to change their lifestyle for the better.
You can see at which points many people would fail and drift back to their old habits and remain as unhappy as they were before. Some people can manage with an app and/or a DVD for support and motivation, others need a real person. That person cannot have always lived in harmony with food and been happy with their body, that would be like someone who has never smoked telling a smoker how easy it is to give up!
It is important to listen carefully if help is be effective. At the same time some sharing of experiences will put both parties on a level playing field and the process of ‘working together’ can begin.
Chocolate has been the focus of a few clients and the severity of their addiction quite extreme! One would “rather give away my kidney than give up chocolate”!!!! This had us both laughing and I am not worried as giving up is not in my vocabulary! Cutting down and keeping the kidney will work just as well.
Self-esteem is a great motivator. People generally want to get in shape to improve how they feel about themselves rather than how others feel about them. Confidence is everything and without it life can be hard.
The most important thing is to start the journey with enthusiasm. Whether it is to become more active or shed some weight, the end goal will remain distant until you believe that you can do it.
Take the first step, get the help you need, hold your head up and you will be unstoppable!
Ha ha I have gone through that graph half a dozen times and always ended up about 70%of where I started aiming for. My problem is once the dedication starts to pay off I think oh this is easy – loose the dedication and my way AGAIN !! Happened only last week to me !
The trick is not to think of it as dedication because that is hard work. Think of it as a great idea instead! Also don’t make so much effort you can’t keep it up. You haven’t ruined your plan just get back on track, if a tyre burst on your car, would you slash the other 3?…..