Something that I typically work with my coaching clients on right away, or that we at least talk about, is their “why.” A lot of times, we get so caught up in the scale, the weight loss, the program, that we lose sight of our “why.”
Why are you doing this? Why is it that every day you’re waking up; you’ve already pre-packed your lunch; you have a healthy breakfast option; you’re drinking your water; you’re getting in your exercise. Why are you doing that? Chances are it comes down to one of several reasons, and you need to refocus on your “why” continuously.
If you don’t have this, I urge you to think about it now. Create a list of “whys.” Don’t worry about how superficial your reasons sound. Don’t worry about sounding like you’re being selfish. Put it all out there. It can be anything from wanting to be a better mother or a better wife, to just wanting to look better in pants or to be able to buy clothes in regular sizes. It could be also for things that are medically related. You could need to get off your medication. I get it all. Write it all out.
Write your “whys” down, and reconnect with them on a daily basis. Keep in mind, being healthy has no end. I’m continuously working on getting healthier. I’m continuously working on getting stronger. There was no cutoff point where I finished getting healthy. You’re constantly working at it, just like maintaining a car. You’re doing things every day to keep that going.
A lot of times when people get knocked off, and they’re struggling to get back on track, it’s because maybe they aren’t connecting with their “why.” I don’t look at it as you’re on or you’re off, or you’re good or you’re bad. I look at it as degrees of health.
Are you the healthiest version of yourself today? That can be something that depends on the person. If you’ve been extremely strict with what you’ve been eating, and you decide you want to have that piece of birthday cake at a party, that might be the best thing you can do for your mental health in that moment.
Ask yourself, is this healthy for you physically, mentally and emotionally, and are you enjoying your life? Because if the answer to all those questions is yes, then you’re doing the right things. In this whole process, connect with your “why.” Never lose sight of why you’re doing this, why you’re working toward swinging your life into a healthy direction. It’s not on and off. It’s varying degrees of health.