Q. What do I have to do get my mind and body under control?
A. Plan.Plan.Plan
1
You have to have a compelling vision. Change doesn’t occur do to good intensions or because it’s a good idea and your friends are doing it. This type of approach is not necessarily conscious or consistent. Being inspired and motivated to change is a great feeling but showing up and doing the work creates the results.
2
Keep your eye on ball. Focus on the goal. Don’t get sucked into the mental trapping that can surround change. There are no supplements, special equipment, or trainers that can replace what you will need to do for yourself. Living a healthy life is an aggregate of small things that lead to optimal results over time. Remind yourself life is not an event it’s a continuum.
3
Plan SMART goals. Pick one or two goals that you really want to achieve. Now figure out what it would take to achieve that goal. Effective goals are Specific, Measurable, Action-based, Realistic, and Time-lined (SMART GOALS). SMART goals raise your awareness of how this change in perception challenges your thoughts and emotions. This thinking/feeling work will help you in the development of a realistic first step in moving forward.
4
Positive thinking puts the breaks on negative self-talk. Is your glass half empty or half full? Your mind creates the reality you live. It is well documented that positive thinking may reflect your outlook on life, your attitude toward yourself, and whether you’re optimistic or pessimistic — and it may even affect your health.
If you tend to have a negative outlook, don’t expect to become an optimist overnight. But with practice, eventually your self-talk will contain less self-criticism and more self-acceptance. You may also become less critical of the world around you.
When your state of mind is generally optimistic, you’re better able to handle everyday stress in a more constructive way. That ability may contribute to the widely observed health benefits of positive thinking.
5
Patience. We tend to treat change as an event. Running a marathon, visiting France in 4 days, taking a HITT class or going on an 8-week diet plan. “Big Picture” Think of your self as an organization with a three-year business plan. Sustainable change takes time and patience’s and a lot of trial and correction.
6
Celebrate every learning, every success, and smile knowing that each obstacle to change was simply an unforeseen opportunity that you owned and overcame.