Embracing Change: Tips for Making the Process Easier

“A healthy lifestyle is all about making better choices.”

Ever hear that before?

It’s well-meaning, no doubt. But is it true?

NOPE. Not by a long shot.

For most people, there’s a LOT more to changing behaviours than simply deciding to do better.

For example, in between choosing to eat smaller portions and actually eating smaller portions, plenty of things can get in the way or throw you off track.

A sliding scale of choosing to eat less on the left end and actually eating less on the right end with situations (i.e. forgot lunch at home, argument with partner, things blow up at work, feeling lonely or down, meal isn't satisfying, didn't sleep well) at various spots along the spectrum.

Yet many people never see any of this coming—even though these are the exact things that have derailed them before.

As a result, they end up frustrated and disappointed because they’ve once again “failed.”

It can feel a little bit like that movie Groundhog Day, where Bill Murray relives the same day over and over and over.

So what’s the solution?

It starts with understanding why a healthy lifestyle isn’t ALL ABOUT making better choices.

The cool part here is that once people see this, they can’t unsee it.

That “a-ha” moment allows them to identify and work on what’s REALLY messing with their ability to change.

To better explain, here's a story.

Imagine that your kitchen sink clogs.

The plumber arrives, takes a quick look at your drain, and says, “What in the world have you been putting down the insinkerator?”

You: “Egg shells, coffee grounds, leftover pizza.”

Plumber [shaking head]: “Nooooo. Never put that stuff down the there! It’s for minimal food waste only.”

You [confused]: “But it grinds up just fine.”

Plumber [closes eyes, inhales deeply through nose]: “Yes, but once it moves out of the disposal and into the pipe, it becomes a thick sludge that builds up over time and clogs your drain. That’s why… MINIMAL FOOD WASTE ONLY!”

You [sheepishly]: “Oh.”

No one enjoys being lectured, but there’s a good outcome here: You immediately change your behaviour, and put the bulk of any food waste into the bin (or compost pile)… FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.

That’s right: You start making better “food choices” on the spot, and it’s unlikely you’ll ever backslide.

Why?

Three reasons:

1. The plumber educated you about why your pipes clogged.

2. You were highly motivated to never have it happen again. (Especially after paying the after-hours rate.)

3. It was easy.

Now here’s the thing…

The first two reasons combined don’t matter nearly as much as the last one.

It was easy because there’s very little else in your life that influences it.

Instead of dumping food down the sink, you just dump it in the bin. There are basically no extra steps, time, effort, or learning involved.

So changing that behaviour?

It’s a piece of cake.

But changing your eating and lifestyle behaviours? That tends to be far more complex.

There are many interconnected factors that influence those behaviours—from how you feel physically and emotionally, to your relationships and job, to your living environment and even your outlook on life.

When looking to change, most people never think to consider these kinds of influencers. Instead, they think of change way more simply, like the sink issue.

People face a lot of unique challenges—many that involve stress and anxiety, or result in stress and anxiety—that make change seriously complex.

Where do they even start?

Hint: The first step isn’t to “make better food choices.”

Instead, it’s to address the factors that make eating better (or exercising more, harder). Not all at once, but one at a time.

So, for example, you might explore their sleep issue first.

Is there a REASON they can’t fall back to sleep? Perhaps they’re a “night worrier” and could benefit from a simple exercise designed to ease your mind.

This could lead to a better night’s sleep, which can result in more energy, lower stress levels, and better emotional health. Change then becomes easier than it was before.

That’s how you kickstart progress.

No, it’s not an overnight fix.

P.S. One more thing about Groundhog Day: At one point, Bill Murray decides to take action. Instead of just doing the same thing day in and day out, he focuses on developing new skills that help him grow as a person (and impress Andy McDowell).

He learns how to speak French, carve ice sculptures, and master the piano.

None of that happened overnight—it was a slow, behind-the-scenes and often boring process, but it resulted in amazing progress.

And it reminds me of a saying: We often overestimate what we can achieve in the short-term, and underestimate what we can achieve in the long-term.

Can you relate?

Learn how to put all the components needed for a successful weight loss program together by contacting me on 07971 22 22 35 to schedule your time TODAY!

Blog Written by Tanvir Heer Coaching

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