Quick Fix vs. Lifestyle Change

We have become a nation of instant gratification. Thanks to technology, we expect things to literally be at our fingertips at any given moment. Because of this, when we don't receive the favorable results we're after, we tend to think it's not worth it and move on. But some results take time. A healthy lifestyle is not something achieved in a matter of moments, which is why it's a lifestyle. A diet is not a lifestyle; it's a temporary fix for a permanent issue. A diet pill or crash diet isn’t a long-term solution.  There will always be a temptation to eat unhealthy, or an excuse not to work out, but when we change our way of thinking and view it as a lifestyle change we'll see daily gratification in our new habits.

Keep this in mind…small decisions/changes, when done consistently, equals big results.  The decision to not skip the gym today, the decision to put back the chocolate that’s in your cart at the grocery store because you don’t really need it.  Choosing the salmon and vegetable entrée at your favorite restaurant instead of the pasta Alfredo.  All of these little decisions add up over the long term and before you know it, the results start coming.

If you’re able to stay consistent and turn those small decisions into habits and eventually a lifestyle change, that’s where the transformation happens.  Before attempting a lifestyle change, it’s important to ask yourself a few questions.

What is your motivation to improve your life? Do you have kids and want to lead by example? A vacation or wedding coming up soon?  Maybe you want to feel better and become healthier overall.  No matter where your motivation comes from, you have to make sure that it’s strong enough to get you out of bed in the morning.  Strong enough to make you go to the gym even when you’d rather stay at home and rest.

Also, be sure to ask yourself, what has stopped you from making these changes before? Do these obstacles still exist? How can you eliminate them? If you can't, how do you move forward?

When you're faced with temptation, how do you handle it? Do you have the ability to stay on course or do you cave?

Take the extra time to come up with a game-plan.  After all, remember what Benjamin Franklin said, “by failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”   Identify the obstacles that are holding you back, come up with a solution, stay consistent, and achieve the body that you really want.

Taking the first step is always the hardest, but once you do, you won't look back with regret.

Tom Daubert

ACSM CEP

Compel Fitness