I'm often asked...how do you I stay motivated? How do I make healthy choices? How do I workout so regularly? How do I eat so well? How do I? These FAQ's warrant some answers so here we go...
Here's the deal. The mindset, intention and outlook truly matter. There is not one right or wrong way, pass or fail, silver bullet, quick fix to achieving and being healthy, lean, happy, and confident in your skin. This is life, there is no finish line until the end of it. We only have the choices that make up our life.
It is easy to become comfortable and settle into routines and rituals, some serve us well and others do not. Identifying the habits that contradict the vision and desired goals is the first step. Then decide and commit to new actions required to achieve the goals. It is an incredible feeling of fulfillment and empowerment when our actions align with our values, goals and purpose. Be prepared my friends, changing a habit or lifestyle stirs up many feelings.... uncomfortable, unnatural, unfamiliar, scary, vulnerable, doubt, fear, excitement, hope and many more. Like going to a new gym...scary and intimidating! Venturing into a health foods store for the first time...overwhelming! It's completely normal to experience a full spectrum of emotions and what a wonderful way to be reminded that you are alive and you are in control of your life.
Here's the good news, it won't always feel as challenging, and tough as it does in the beginning. In fact, once you get moving in the direction of your goals, you will pick up speed and momentum. It gets easier.
Let's look at an example. Who commutes to and from work? Have you ever got home at the end of the day and realized you completely zoned out and got home without paying much attention to the road. I sure have experienced this having made the same drive for years, I could practically do it in my sleep. In reality it takes a thousand little action steps to make it happen from opening the car door, sitting down, putting on the seat belt, adjusting the mirrors, turning on the car, putting it in gear, and so on. You get the picture. You've done them regularly, consistently to the point that those actions no longer require the level of consciousness like they did the first time you drove a car. They have become habitual!
When we start something new such as following a workout program or changing our nutrition choices, or carving out time for self care, it often feels like a lot of work because every bite or meal or choice to visit the gym requires thought, energy, planning and execution. It's super important to look long term and focus on your vision of the big picture, not dwell on short term results, failures or successes. Sustainability, consistency and creating lifelong HABITS that serve you and support you living your purpose.
The word habit is defined as a settled or regular tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give up. In other wise words "we are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then is not an act but a habit." by Aristotle. I love this quote, it reminds me that it's not what I do every now and then that matters, it's what I do regularly, consistently that makes all the difference.
This is such a freeing notion to me. It takes the pressure off of being perfect...it's all about getting a little bit better everyday. Progress not perfect! I enjoy all foods, I like moving my body. When I indulge I don't beat myself up because I know most of the time I eat pretty well. When I have a lazy Sunday with the family and don't workout, I don't feel guilty. I've created healthy habits that are easier to do than not and you can to. I believe in you! Have an amazing day!