If you are trying to improve your health, you need to become very clear on why you want it, what exactly your goal is and what you need to give up to attain it.
Step One – Become VERY Clear on Why You Want IT
Why do I want it?
Focusing daily on why you want a goal will keep you energized when things get challenging.
For example, if you are trying to loose 16 pounds in the next 6 months, this is going to require you to change the way you are doing things now.
Change is hard.
When we begin working toward a goal we are generally super motivated and committed.
As time goes on, we can lose that energy and get off track.
Reminding ourselves of why we want something helps give us the energy to get back on.
***Why do I want this?
***How will I feel when it’s done?
***What positive changes will this bring in my life?
If you can shift from, I really want some fast food for lunch to, I feel so empowered when I feed my body and not my emotions, it makes it so much easier to keep going.
Focusing on the reason you want to loose the weight, versus focusing on the resistance to make those changes helps you to continue moving yourself forward.
Step Two – Become VERY Clear on What You Want
I like to compare goals to using Google Maps.
The why is the gas in your car and the what is the exact steps you need to get there.
You obtain better directions if you know exactly where you are going and enter a specific destination.
The goal should be specific, measurable and have a deadline.
For example, if your stress levels are high and you believe mediation might be helpful, saying “I’m going to start a daily meditation,” is not specific enough.
Your goal needs to be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and timely.
S – Specific I am going to sit in silence every morning before my morning coffee
M – Measurable I will do this for 10 minutes, 5 out of 7 days per week
A – Achievable I am confident I can manage 10 minutes 5 out of 7 days per week
R – Relevant I want to decrease my stress levels not only for myself, my health, and so I can show up as a better wife and mom.
T – Timely I am starting this Sunday and committing to this for the next 3 months
Now you know why you want it, what you need to do to get it, how to make it happen and when to do it.
It’s so much easier to move toward your destination when you have a clear path – a clear set of directions.
Step Three – Become VERY Clear on What You Need to Give Up
In order to obtain this new goal you need to get real on what you have to give up to obtain it.
Want to get up early to work out? You have to give up late-time television.
Want to lose 16 pounds? You have to give up your daily mocha and muffin.
Want to be someone who eats a whole food diet? You need to give up food that comes in a crinkly package.
Want to have a better relationship with your spouse? You have to give up complaining about him.
You need to ask yourself, what do I need to let go of to become the person I’m wanting to be?
Step Four – Write it Down & Read It Daily
There is a lot of evidence that writing you goals on paper increases the likelihood of you seeing them through.
Dr. Gail Matthews, a psychology professor at Dominican University in California, did a study on goal setting. She found that you are 42 percent more likely to achieve your goals just by writing them down.
Reading and/or writing your WHY down daily will help keep you focused on where you are going versus the discomfort you need to experience to get there.
Remind yourself EVERY DAY why you are doing this, what you need to do to obtain it and what you have committed to give up to obtain it.
I Can Help
My name is Laura Hayek and I am a nurse coach who helps empower women over 40 to create habits for a healthier body, mind and spirit.
Check out my website, www.laurahayek.com, to schedule a free coaching session to discover how I can help you on your journey to holistic health!