This is one of the most common questions I hear. The following answers are not all the possible answers but a few may surprise you. For some, they want instant “microwave” results. They feel that after 2 weeks on the program, they should see “more” results. They get discouraged and that discouragement sends them straight to the buffet, the cigarettes, or the couch. Unfortunately, they forgot that it took several months or even years to reach their current state of health, and most folks find that 5 or 6 weeks is a better time frame to see change happen in how they look and feel.
Another answer could be that the program they selected was not right for them from the start. Particularly, if the person selected an off-the-shelf program to follow, or gave their coach very little input about their program. Every person is unique and their preferences are just as unique; even in brothers and sisters. Following a program just because it worked for someone else may not be the best idea unless you are open to experimenting to see if you like the program and its results.
Still another possibility is the person’s stage of readiness to change their lifestyle. There are 6 stages of readiness: 1-Precontemplation 2-Contemplation 3-Preparation 4-Action 5-Maintenance and 6-Termination. The Action stage is number 4 in the sequence (not number 1). Perhaps the person’s readiness to change is at stage 1, 2, or 3. Guess what? Not being at number 4 and ready for action in changing behavior IS OK. Learning to trust yourself and the process of lifestyle change takes time, trial and error, learning, and trying again.
In addition, many see themselves as being either ON or OFF the program. And in this clear and distinct ON or OFF, they also have unrealistic expectations and perhaps unrealistic goals set for themselves. You know… Nobody is 100 percent ON the program all the time. That would be a problem all by itself. The thing is to work towards being consistent 80 percent of the time with your choices. If you do that, you may find the other 20 percent takes care of itself.
So, these are just a few reasons for the frustration so many experience when attempting to change their lifestyle. Yes, lifestyle change is difficult. No doubt about it. But for those who have reached their health and wellness goals- the look on their faces is all you need to know it was worth it. Of course, these frustrations are among many that you may have experienced; and are all very good reasons to work with a coach to assist you on your journey to reach your health and wellness goals.
First of all I want to say superb blog! I had a quick question that I’d like to ask if you don’t mind.
I was curious to find out how you center yourself and clear your
thoughts before writing. I’ve had difficulty clearing my mind in getting my ideas
out. I truly do take pleasure in writing however it just seems like the first 10 to
15 minutes are generally lost simply just trying to figure out how to
begin. Any suggestions or tips? Appreciate it!
Sorry for the delay on this response. Guess I am not as tech savvy as I need to be:( In the future, feel free to email me at carol@balancediscovered.com for a faster response. Truly, getting myself into a peak state is the best answer I have for how I clear my mind. My peak state routine may not be exactly what you need, but you can discover that through trial and error. Specifically, I wake early around 5 or 6 am. Have 1 large cup of coffee, then I though dump into my journal for 5-15 minutes all the things I am trying to accomplish and what I will need to do today to make progress on my big goals. If you free think for that first 10-15 minutes, it may help you drop the pressure and just let it flow. Also, writing in the morning has been the best for me since my brain activity and creativity are in a peak state in the AM and not in the PM when I am not as focused and probably tired.
Keep me posted how you are doing!
Carol
919-973-9273
Hello, I want to subscribe for this blog to get newest updates, thus where can i do it please help.
Hi, I will add you to my weekly blog post email. Glad to have you on board! Carol