Lifestyle Change - A process, not an event
Here are 5 simple steps to aid your clients in achieving a successful
long term lifestyle change!
1.
Recognize a need for change – Do you currently
have a health condition, or are at risk for developing one? Is running a
marathon on your bucket list? Or do you just want to look great at the beach
this summer? There are many reasons for wanting to make a lifestyle change, and
none of them mean that what you are currently doing is wrong – only that it may
be improved.
2.
Establish a goal – When making goals, remember
that many small, short term goals lead to larger, long term goals. Psychologist
Paul Meyer has developed the acronym SMART to help you create good goals. Keep
these in mind when creating your health goals!
Specific – Answer questions “how”, “when” and “where”
Measurable – Use numbers to easily measure your accomplishments
Achievable – Are your goals attainable? Remember to start small!
Realistic – Is this reasonable for you at your PRESENT circumstances? Making an unrealistic goal may set you up for failure.
Timely – Goals should be met within a time period, to give you structure.
Measurable – Use numbers to easily measure your accomplishments
Achievable – Are your goals attainable? Remember to start small!
Realistic – Is this reasonable for you at your PRESENT circumstances? Making an unrealistic goal may set you up for failure.
Timely – Goals should be met within a time period, to give you structure.
3.
Adopt a goal-directed activity – What steps are
needed to reach the goal? Identify any environmental, social or resource
barriers and brainstorm creative ways to overcome them
4.
Share your goal – with a spouse, friend or loved
one! This creates accountability and makes meeting the goal more fun.
5.
Reward yourself – Once you have made progress on
or met your goal, celebrate your accomplishments! Remember, food should never
be used as a reward – some ideas for rewards include taking a vacation, going
shopping for goal related items like new running shoes, or spending a day at
the spa or on the golf course!
Remember, change occurs gradually. Start with small changes, and be prepared for
relapses. Returning to old behaviors is normal, and you do not need to let it
sabotage your long term goals!
CR
Meyer, P. (2003). "What
would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail? Creating S.M.A.R.T. Goals".
Attitude Is Everything: If You Want to Succeed Above and Beyond. The Meyer
Resource Group, Incorporated. ISBN 978-0-89811-304-4.
Comments
Post a Comment