How many times have you thought to yourself, “Okay, I’m gonna do it this time. I’m going to lose weight.” (or drop a dress size or change my eating habits or whatever your goal was)?
You might have even sat down with a pen and paper and charted a grandiose plan. Maybe you researched your options and signed up for a weight loss group or diet strategy that guaranteed you would reach your goals.
Your enthusiasm was high…for a while. Then real life kicked in. Your husband and kids complained about the meals you cooked. Heck, you didn’t even like the meals you cooked.
And then it happened. That tempting food looked you in the eye, and you could no longer resist. You caved and ate that bite of ice cream or handful of chips, and your taste buds revolted for good. One little taste was all it took.
Let me just say I know this experience firsthand because it describes me sooo many times on my journey to good health. My intentions were high, and I was armed with all kinds of information. (Well, let’s be honest. I was usually overwhelmed more times than I was armed.)
Either way, going all in seemed like the best option. And it did produce results…until the plan was over and temptation kicked in and sent me right back where I started.
If you relate to any of this, let me encourage you today with this truth. — The power behind that one little taste that derails your plans? You can channel that same power toward making good choices.
It doesn’t have to be an all-out sprint. Sometimes the most effective, long-term changes happen by reprogramming our minds one choice at a time.
One simple step is all it takes.
Don’t focus five miles (or months) down the road. Don’t focus behind you and get tripped up by your past. Focus on the current step you’re in and make one healthy choice to take the next step forward.
For some of you, it might mean it’s time to sit down and chart that grandiose plan. But for many of you, it may involve going to bed 30 minutes earlier tonight so you don’t get lost in the pantry. Or it may mean cutting out 10 minutes of TV and taking a walk instead.
Wherever your journey finds you right now, what’s the next simple step to chart a healthier course?
Channel that power and let it take you far.
ONE SIMPLE STEP: Take a few minutes to bring awareness to your health journey. Where exactly do you stand? If you could work on one area, which would you choose? (eating habits, fitness, stress management, etc.) Write or journal your thoughts if time allows.
ONE STEP FURTHER: Choose one area of your health to focus on today. Brainstorm several ways you can take a simple step forward, keeping the options as practical and doable as possible. Then choose the one that resonates most, and commit to making it happen.
Arrow photo by Yastremska/BigStock.com
