The Power Of Habit

When it comes to being healthy, there are two habits that will define your success; eating and exercise. In fact, everyone that you know who is in great shape has dialed in these two important habits.
If you aren’t happy with your body, it's time to think about gradually making some adjustments to your eating and exercise habits.

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John Dryden famously said, “We first make our habits, and then our habits make us.”
Confucius said, “Men’s natures are alike; it is their habits that separate them.”

And Aristotle noticed that, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.”
It’s pretty clear that the habits you adopt will shape who you are.
What are your habits?
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Do you eat the same thing for lunch, go through the same exercise routine, and fall into bed at the same time each night? Or maybe you’ve made a habit out of eating something sweet before bed, avoiding the gym, and staying up as late as possible.

When it comes to your fitness, the two habits that define your health are your eating and exercise habits. In fact, everyone that you know who is in great shape has dialed in these two important habits.
If you aren’t happy with your body, it's time to think about making an adjustment to your eating and exercise habits.

How do you create these new habits? Gradually and deliberately. 

Here’s how to adopt your new habits:
1) Decide on the ONE habit that you would like to develop first. I know you want to make changes as fast as possible, so it’s tempting to pick up 3 or 4 healthy habits to start. But choosing just one new habit is realistic and allows you to make it an actual habit, instead of random "fitness fad" that you quit in a few weeks.
Here are some healthy habit ideas:

• Start drinking more water/getting properly hydrated.
• Commit to 3 resistance and 2 cardio sessions each week.
• Eating slower
• Bring your healthy lunch to work instead of eating fast food.
• Eat lean protein at every meal.
• Get your 6-8 servings of fruit and veggie every day.
• Get up early and exercise for an 45 each morning.
• Eating until satisfied, instead of stuffing yourself to discomfort.

2) Write your new habit down on paper and put it (or them) in a place where you can see them (bathroom mirror, fridge, etc..). Also include your 3 main motivators for developing this new habit, the obstacles you’ll face, and your strategies for overcoming these obstacles.
Here’s an example:

1. My new habit is to work out a minimum of 3 times each week.
2. My 3 main motivators are 1) to feel confident in my bathing suit this summer, 2) to have more energy to keep up with the kids, and 3) to fit into my skinny jeans that have been hidden in the back of the closet.
3. The obstacles I will face are 1) not having the energy to go to my session after work, 2) not having the motivation and determination long term to achieve these goals , and 3) not having my spouse’s support.
4. I will overcome these obstacles by 1) doing my workouts before work instead of after work, so I have more energy, 2) joining a community for support and motivation, and 3) asking my spouse to join me so we can get in shape together.

3) Commit fully to your new habit in a public way. This could mean posting it on social media, or simply announcing it at the dinner table. By putting yourself in a position where you have announced your goals publicly, you will be less likely to give up on these new habits since you have already told everyone you were going to do it. But more importantly, you may be able to find support (and maybe even a partner) within your family and friends.

4) Keep track of your progress. You could keep a detailed journal or simply make a check mark on each calendar day ​ that you successfully exercise your new habit.

In 14 days, when your new habit starts to feel pretty natural, it's time to add a second habit by going through the same steps. Keep following these steps and adding healthy new habits until you have reached your healthy new self!

I’d love to help you create your new habits.  If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out.

Dedicated To Making Healthy Your Habit,

Mychael

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