Planning is Key

I am a perfectionist. Some would call me an overachiever. I like to be good at whatever it is I am doing. I have learned over the years that to be good at something, you have to have a good plan. I have also learned that it is so easy to get caught up in the planning and never make any progress. Planning for lasting change does not have to take a long time, but it does take a few key factors.

What Do You Want To Change?

Now is the time to really think about what it is in your life that you are not happy with. Is it fitness, health, money, relationships, or organization that need a facelift? Take a few moments to really think about and write them down. Make a complete list of all the things that are weighing on you.

There are many people that say to focus on one thing at a time. I have a hard time with that. If I am eating healthier and exercising more, this will effect my organization (or need to be more organized), and my relationships because I will be spending less time with certain people. It iwll also change my moods and how I feel.

Take your list and choose a couple of things that are most important or most pressing in your life. Currently, I am focusing on eating, exercise, finaces, and realtionship. In my life, one is tied to all the others.

What is your Why?

This one may seem easy, but it where most people fail. Why do you want to change? Why do you want to lose weight? Is it to look good in your clothes? To feel more attractive? To keep your crush interested? To feel better? To sleep better? To make someone jealous?

Your why has to be something that will keep you motivated for the long haul. I can tell you from personal experience that if you are doing something for someone else, the other person will rarely notice or give you the reaction you are looking for.

Dig deep into your why. For example:

Why do I want to lose weight?

To look better?

Why?

Because my clothes fit too tight and I can't stand my reflection?

Why?

It makes me feel bad that I don't look my best?

Why?

I know I can be healthier. When I am, I have more confidence and treat others better. When I don't like how I look, I feel bad and am not in a good mood.

Decide

This is where the work really begins. It is really a two parter. The first part is to decide that you really want to make the change. For me, I have to get to the point that I am mad. Like, really pissed off. It is usually at myself, because I know better to have let things spiral out of control. I am adult, and I make the decisions that truly affect my life. Make up your mind that today is the day.

The second part is to decide what you need to do to make the change happen. If it is eating better, you will need to:

- Clean out your pantry and refrigerator

- Look up healthy recipes and foods that you like or might like to try

- Go to the store to load up on the items.

Exercising:

-List different types you like or would be interested in trying

-Schedule the days and times you will exercise

-Get a buddy or join a gym to make it more fun

-get the appropriate clothes and shoes, if needed.

Progress Over Perfection

Here is one of the other hard parts about change:patience and grace. Nothing worthwile will change overnight. I wish I could work out in the morning, eat a salad for lunch, and wake up the next day 20 pounds lighter. It just doesn't work that way. It takes being consistent day after day to make any real progress.

Be patient with yourself and the process. Take one thing at a time. one workout at a time. One heealthy meal at a time. One glass of water at a time. All these things will add up to an amazing reward if you keep stacking them on top of each other.

Have grace with yourself if you are not perfect. If you are celebrating a loved one's birthday, have a small slice of cake. If you are feeling legitimately tired and can not work out, let your body rest for the day...or go on a small walk, dance it out, try to do 5 minutes and go from there. Everyone has a million different things going on in their lives at any given point. Don't get discouraged and completely fall off the wagon if you have a small slip up. Take the next opprtunity to kick it back into gear.

Whatever your goals; whatever the change you want to make, stop putting it off. Stop waiting for Monday or New Years. Decide right now what you want to be different in your life; to be better. Figure out what it will take to start the journey, and get started. There are so many uncertainties in life. We have this moment and may not get the next. Stop just existing and actually LIVE!