Lifestyle changes can
make a big difference to everything from weight loss to heart disease. But how
many times have you set a goal only for your good intentions to wane? We look
at ways to keep the healthy habit.
Whether it's losing weight or exercising more, motivation is critical if you want to succeed.
Whether it's losing weight or exercising more, motivation is critical if you want to succeed.
We all have lazy moments, but
successful people are the ones who have developed strategies for overcoming
their sluggish days.
Learn to recognise when you're feeling
de-motivated so you can do something about it.
Positive life changes start with
motivation and are sustained by habit.
A study from the University of Alberta
found that people who exercise regularly don't waste time weighing up the pros
and cons of their workout, but get on with their routines without
procrastinating.
Life Coach Annabel Sutton shares her
top tips for how to get motivated and establish those good life habits we all
need.
1.
Take things one step at a time
Trying to do everything at once is a
sure-fire way to set yourself up for failure.
If you are looking to improve your
health, start with easy things like taking the stairs at work rather than the
lift or eating more vegetables.
Just one small change can get the
momentum going and help you take larger steps later on. In no time at all the
idea of a daily run won't seem so daunting.
2. Make a list
Being able to tick off a list of goals
can be a great way to spur you on.
If you are the kind of person who
responds to lists, think about creating a chart with a list of single daily
habits that you would like to have.
They can be anything from 'remember my
medication' to 'take five minutes to sit quietly and unwind'.
Every day tick off the daily habits
that you have achieved and gradually build up a physical picture of your
success.
3. Write it down and make it happen
Sit down and write a description of
yourself when you have achieved everything you want to.
This may be you having lost a stone or
successfully managed your asthma.
Whatever it is, make the description
as detailed as possible. It could start something like 'Feeling radiant after a
two mile run...'
Pin it up on the wall to remind
yourself of what you're striving towards.
4.
Get a buddy
It's much easier to get motivated if
someone else is spurring you on.
It also helps to keep things honest –
it's much harder to cut corners if someone is keeping an eye on you. A little
bit of competition never did anyone any harm either.
5. Contact your local support group
If you need to address a particular
medical issue, there is probably a charity or support group out there that can
help you do just that.
The British Heart Foundation, for
example, can keep you up to date on the latest treatments for heart disease.
Remember, knowledge is power.
Many support groups offer solid
practical help, too.
6.
Reward yourself
Promise yourself irresistible treats
if you succeed in fulfilling goals, such as a fabulous holiday if you quit
smoking.
You can also give yourself smaller
rewards for the less significant achievements, for example a visit to the
beauty parlour or a new CD.
7.
Set forfeits
Some people find forfeits motivating,
but make sure the punishment matches the crime.
So if you fail to meet a goal like
going to the gym one day, you might have to cook the dinner and do the washing
up.
If you start to become disheartened,
discontinue the forfeits. The idea is to spur you on to success, not make you
feel bad.
8. Kit yourself out for success
It is much easier to get motivated if
you have the right tools. This might mean a really good pair of running shoes,
a heart rate monitor or even hypoallergenic bedding.
You don't need to spend the earth, but
investing in the right piece of equipment is a way of showing yourself you mean
business a
nd want to stay on track.
9.
Be realistic
It's important you give yourself
realistic goals and don't expect a quick fix.
Big life changes take time,
determination and sometimes a bit of pain, too.
You are much more likely to succeed if
you take things bit by bit and set out a series of smaller, achievable goals
that build towards a new, improved, healthier you.
10.
Work with a personal trainer or life coach
A life coach will be able to discuss
what you want to achieve and design a bespoke programme to significantly
improve your chances of success.
Maintaining regular contact will keep
you on track and make sure you don't fall off the wagon.
The best way to find a good coach is
by personal recommendation.
With thanks to
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/healthyliving/motivation.htm
