Remember the old days when TVs didn’t have remotes? I remember when we first got a cable box that sat on top of the TV–it had a dial, and you had to get up to change it. I’m not sure when remotes appeared, but I sure don’t know anyone without one now! How torturous would it be to actually have to get up to change the channel?
Sometimes I wonder why my clients respond to having to change their habits with the same kind of groan and dread as they might have at the thought of a life without remote controls (and probably microwaves….you mean, I have to actually boil water on the stove?). But then, I get it too. Once we’ve established a certain amount of convenience, it’s difficult to go back on that (note: I don’t have a microwave–and occasionally it’s an inconvenience, but mostly it’s no big deal).
Lifestyle change is simple, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. It requires determination, motivation, and effort. There are no real shortcuts and no free lunches. Once you admit that, your life isn’t easier, but your plan for each day is more straightforward.
In addition to conjuring up the motivation and determination (and positive attitude) for changing, it’s also important to determine the best way to change. This came up recently with a client/friend—because we’ve taken several months to meet certain milestones, and inch our (her) way towards a better lifestyle little bits at a time. Sometimes, people can jump in and change big things all at once, but it depends on the person and the situation. Everyone is different—there’s pushing and pulling, successes and failures, and adjusting along the way. I probably have too much emotional attachment and investment in this process, but maybe that’s necessary too—maybe I do have to want it more than my clients. Otherwise, I might give up when things are a little blah and seem like they’re going nowhere fast (but I try to see the ebb and flow of change, and keep things going during the low points).
I love big fast successes. But they’re few and far between. Life is long (usually), and it’s slow. It’s a process (right J?), and that’s not always satisfying in the moment. But it’s life. The alternatives (backsliding, quitting, going into denial…or even death)…well, they aren’t good in the short- or long-term.
The moral of the story? Consistency and steady effort really does win the race. Being positive about it just improves the likelihood that it will work, and it makes it more pleasant too.
News/Notes: We had snow days all around here today, including my mom’s place of employment, so it was great to have an unexpected coffee date. We definitely solved some of life’s challenges today. Don’t you love it when that happens?
Tomorrow morning is my training session with the fitness competition judge (no, I’m not getting into that kind of thing—I’d love to look like a bikini competitor, but there’s not a cell in my body that wants to actually be in a competition). I’ll let you know if I can walk afterward! True story: I’ve been working in fitness since 1997 (I guess, I mean, that’s when I went to college and studied exercise science)—with the Air Force, personal clients, wellness clients, in gyms, in homes, in corporate settings….and I’ve never actually had a training session for myself. I’m trying not to think about it–is it going to be annoying to have someone tell me what to do? Or will I like the fact that I don’t have to think, but just follow instructions?
Have you ever hired a personal trainer?
Do you feel like you have a positive outlook on evolution toward a better lifestyle (or are you impatient for results)?
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