How to Stay on the Wagon: For Good :

We are generally very adept at starting exercise and programs and dietary regimes... and we pretty much suck at sticking to it.

One of the most formidable reasons for this is the failure to permanently ingrain our newfound healthy habits into our psyches. Before the physical aspects of reaching your goals take place, we need to re-program our minds.

Here is a 3-step process to help you not only stay on the wagon, but get you driving the darned thing!

1.Set Multi-Dimensional Goals:
The temptation here is to focus on outcomes. Instead of honing in on outcome-oriented goals such as weight loss and shapely thighs, try tapping into more process-oriented goals such as learning to attach feelings of joy to exercise and healthy eating.

Also, set aside goals for lifestyle changes such as adding more steps, boosting energy and/or sleep. When these intrinsic-type goals are achieved, the outcome-based goals tend to fall in place more easily!

2.Develop an Exercise Vision:
Jay Kimiecik, author of “ The Intrinsic Exerciser – Discovering the Joy of Exercise ”, describes exercise vision as attending to thoughts and feelings related to exercise, while ridding yourself of the clutter that prevents you from it. It means not only recognizing and seizing opportunities to move, but also having a clear idea of how you want to feel when you do move.

Increased awareness + clarity of how you want to feel = more frequent exercise

3.Use Guided Imagery:
This is fancy-talk for visualization. The ultimate goal of guided imagery is to facilitate positive emotions associated with engaging in healthy habits.

Build a habit of using imagery from the minute you wake up. Use it throughout the day – particularly in strategic situations such as when you start to crave food, or begin looking for reasons to skip your workout. Try reciting a positively reinforcing phrase every time you take a sip of water.

What helps you with the mental battle of staying fit?

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