When it comes to establishing a new goal, you may know why you need to do it, particularly in health and fitness. While “tone up” and “lose weight” are the two most often cited goals, it goes much deeper than that.
The other day I was having breakfast at Whole Foods, and a perfect stranger and I engaged in a meaningful conversation. She revealed that not only was she a cancer survivor, but that she felt when it comes to exercise and fitness, its hard to commit for this reason- the step by step thought-to-commitment process. We know why its beneficial, but the goal-to-action process is often easier said than done. There is ultimately an emotional trigger that leads to rationalizing the pursuit of the goal- or at least good intentions of doing so.
Whether its purchasing a new home, car, or even what to have for dinner, there is also an emotional drive behind it. Yes we need a residence, transportation, and food, but we all have unique tastes and needs. The same is true when deciding how to pursue your health and fitness goals. What was the real reason you wanted that home? What was it that led you to purchase that car? Certainly our health is more important than those two. If we don’t have our health, then what do we have?
Therein lies the question. What was it that led you to decide to make the change? For some, it can very well be that they took a look in the mirror one day and said “I’ve had enough!” For others, maybe someone close had a terrible health outcome that could have been largely prevented through lifestyle changes. Maybe you decide when you see others who don’t get around very well that you want to be able to play with your children and grandchildren, and be around for your family for a long time in the future. Or, maybe you are tired of feeling tight and tired whenever you stand up from your work desk each day, your body molding to its environment.
These are often the underlying reasons, the real reasons for health and wellness goal-setting. An emotional trigger made you feel a certain way. If you are having trouble coming to terms with how to get motivated and setting wellness goals even though you know you should, think about what you originally felt that led you to consider the changes in the first place. Visualize your ideal outcome, your ideal you, your ideal life. How would it be different if you made positive changes that include exercise tailored for you, best-quality eating, and time management? What would the consequences be if you didn’t make these changes? Whatever your original reason might be, no doubt it goes far beyond what you see in the mirror.