GETTING IN OUR OWN WAY – Part I

It has been said that the biggest problem we have when trying to improve some area of our life is that we often fail to implement much in the form of action to make it happen. We know we need to change something, but perhaps we don’t have any kind of structure or plan to make that change happen. However, perhaps the second biggest problem is that we don’t perform consistently in implementing those plans over a longer period of time.

While the term “consistency” isn’t likely the magic word that creates serious excitement, motivation and a fire in your belly to succeed, when implemented over time it is the biggest factor in achieving real results in your life and your personal development. Because, we aren’t what we do from time-to-time - we are what we do day-in-and-day-out.

Be consistent, even when you don’t feel like it, because you’ll often be grateful that you pushed through the momentary discomfort. You may find that you need to change some things in your life in order to make this happen - like being more organized as a person, or more efficient with your time - but that’s part of having a structure, a plan.

While you’re implementing your routine, remember to focus on, and take responsibility for, the process, not the potential results. Take responsibility for showing up and doing what you have decided to do - not for the results. The results will come as a reward for your consistent action.

When you focus on the process, you will be a lot more relaxed and encouraged to move forward than if you focus on the potential results that never come as quickly as you want them to. You will simply wind up on an emotional roller coaster and find yourself caught up in negative thoughts, emotions and behaviors, and possibly just give up.

Next, break your goals down into smaller pieces. We say it often, but your GHS weight loss plan is a journey. Realize that your end goal is like a road trip to your favorite destination. We need milestones along the way to reassure us whether or not the path we are taking is the correct one. Milestones also provide encouragement that we are getting closer to that destination. Breaking the big trip down into smaller trips makes it more enjoyable, too. It gives us a sense of achievement and motivation to keep at it - to work consistently toward our goal.

Start by listing out your own milestones on a planned timeline of your journey, and strike them out one after the other once you’ve reached them. It’s nice to look back and see how far you’ve come. While there are major milestones in weight loss, like the excitement of being under 300, 250, 200 or 150 pounds, even a 5-to-10-pound loss is a great marker. Maybe your milestones are things like wearing a smaller size in clothing, getting off a medication, sleeping better, or having more energy. Those are all very important milestones that keep us encouraged to stay the course.

To take things a step further, take the goal of reaching your smaller markers and break them down into segments of tasks. Divide them into things like spending 15-30 minutes during each week for meal planning, a grocery shopping day, 2-3 days a week to make meals, what to do for your morning routine, exercising, taking a walk, listening to podcasts or conference calls, etc.

This organization – these tasks - are important, consistent actions that will ensure success in meeting your goals. It will also help you to manage your time better. Time is something everyone is short on, and we all have to decide where to spend it.

Next week, we will look at more ways that will help us with consistency.