So, the first thing you have to consider is what DO you want to accomplish?
For many of us – it means losing that last 10 – 15 pounds so we can look great in a swimsuit – or, stun them at the class reunion. For others, it means learning a new skill (Thai cooking, painting, bonsai gardening, a new language), improving your relationships, the list is vast – AND, you will not be able to get it done in one try (nor should you attempt it – you only set yourself up for failure).
So, I would like you to start determining those areas that you would like to see changed, or maybe ‘beginning something new’ – think about them seriously. Ideas include:
- Starting a weight loss and / or exercise program.
- Taking art or cooking classes; rock climbing; taking an online course (or, local course) in spirituality or on meditation.
- Maybe going to a counselor or support group to get rid of that addiction or habit that has been holding you back.
Whatever! Give yourself 10 minutes to just do a free flow of ideas.
This is your list – so don’t hold back – WHAT DO YOU WANT TO CHANGE – OR BEGIN?
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Good for you – I hope the list is long, and that the process was fun. If not, try being the ‘kid in the candy store’ and try again. This should be about creating a compelling future.
Now, as I stated before – you will not be able to change or begin all of these at once. You brain resists wholescale changes because it craves a certain level of ‘certainty’. If you think you are Superman or Superwoman – please, check your ego at the door!
So, look at the list and let’s pick one (or at the most two) things out.
OK – great. We know the ‘what we want to do’.
Now, ‘how’ are we going to do this?
I am all for plans – but, let’s stretch our capabilities with these ‘changes’, and get the momentum going forward – from today and in the future.
So, for your changes:
Change 1: _____________________________________________
What step can I take TODAY to propel me forward? Note: this may be as simple as a phone call to someone whom you admire that exhibits this behavior (they will be very flattered); a Google search for a class; taking a walk every 30 minutes – I don’t know what your goal is – but, what can you do TODAY matters.
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Change 2: _____________________________________________
What step can I take TODAY to propel me forward? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Now, here is a consideration as I have further planning sessions on Days 3 – 5 on nutrition, exercise, and mental/spiritual practices. So, if all you state is that “I am going to go through Days 3 -5 on the ‘Optimal You’ Jump Start” – I am fine with that – As Long As You Follow Through. You are elite – hold yourself to that level.
Assuming that we have a strategy in our head – let’s ask “what can I do this week?” And, here’s another question for you – ‘How do you know if you succeeded?’ Write that down as well. REMEMBER – anything worth doing, is worth measuring. If you just get a ‘warm fuzzy’ because you had good intentions – that’s not enough.
And, use pencil – because there is an important question at the end of this that will ask you to determine if your strategies are too difficult to maintain.
Change 1:
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Change 2:
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Let’s keep walking down the timeline – what can you do in a month?
Change 1:
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Change 2:
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What can you do in two months?
Change 1:
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Change 2:
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I think you get the idea.
But, here is a VERY important point – keep your eye on the goal – but, allow some ‘float’ in how you accomplish it.
For example, to say that ‘I am going to exercise everyday for an hour’ sounds great. You won’t achieve it! (I’ve tried – but, don’t hold that against me). So, you set yourself up for failure.
A better goal would be ‘I am going to exercise for 30 to 60 minutes a day – and, I will never miss two consecutive days’. This allows you some leeway – and you still get the results.
You could also allow yourself one ‘cheat meal’ – and, won’t miss your goal. Does that make sense?
So, look at your goals and strategies and make sure that they make sense for you.
Tomorrow – we will look at how we maintain motivation. There is no sense in setting a goal if you aren’t motivated to attain it.
See you then!
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