| In the News | | | |  | Nutrition in the News |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Video Archive |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
|
| | | Steps to Change 2012
| | Eat, drink and be merry . . . the healthy way | | | In my view the best way to approach goal setting is to write out one to three clear goals (example ‘I eat 2 pieces of fruit and 3 different vegetables every day’). Remember to make them SMART – specific, measurable, attainable, real and time-based.
Now finish the end of each sentence below relevant to each of your goals.
| | | Why I want to reach this target?
What I am prepared to do?
What could get in my way?
How can I deal with these situations?
The steps I will need to make?
The kind of help I need?
When I will start making change?
When I will review my progress and how often?
How do I know I have succeeded?
What will be my reward for this change? |
| |
|
To help us evolve and make progress, we can take some simple steps to change. We can shape change, so to speak. And “here’s the thing” as Philip Humbert, leadership coach says…… “You are evolving. You are, inevitably, becoming something and someone new all the time. You are not the same person you were a year ago! You know stuff you didn't know back then. You have skills you didn't have a year ago. Over time, we evolve. And, here's a second truth…. It either happens by accident, or it happens on purpose, according to a plan.”
Have a look at the following steps summarized by Professor Mike Reuter of Seton Hall University.
Step 1: Acknowledge that change involves. . .change! Habits die hard. The brain has tried-and-true neural pathways that mostly serve us well and make life easier and efficient for us. That's actually a very good thing! But when we try to change our habits (neural pathways), the brain resists. Take this normal resistance seriously, admit it exists, and use strategies to install new habits. If we don't do this first step, in the end, old habits will return.
Step 2: Be PRECISE about the change you want. Generalities and hopes to "do better" won't cut it. Decide exactly what you want, what it will look like, and how you will measure your progress. Skipping the few minutes it takes to do this step carefully and thoroughly is a setup for failure. Be precise! Define the exact change you want.
Step 3: Lists the COSTS of not changing. What will it cost you over a lifetime to continue your old habit? Will you die younger? Again, do not skip this step! There are reasons you want to change. Write them down.
Step 4: List the ADVANTAGES of making the change you want. How will you benefit from this change? Will you be stronger, live longer, be happier, or healthier? What are the real, tangible benefits from making this change? List them all!
Step 5: DECIDE the change is worth it! Make the commitment. Design systems and strategies for success. Think it through and be very clear that the "new you" is going to happen, and quickly! Being "interested" or hopeful, or wishing for change is not enough. Assess the costs and advantages, then decide.
Step 6: Be ACCOUNTABLE. Tell people about the change you are making and ask them to monitor your progress. Ask family and friends to help. Be accountable!
Step 7: CHART your progress. Post your weight on the refrigerator door. Post your monthly budget where the family can see it. Use graphs and pictures to mark your progress and get feedback from people who care about your success.
Step 8: CELEBRATE! Too many people skip or forget this key step! As you hit your benchmarks or when you are convinced the new habit is successfully installed, have a family celebration! Mark your victories! Change is hard and when you've achieved it, you deserve a BIG reward, a victory celebration and a HAPPY DANCE! Do this. It will make everything easier.
| | | | |
|
