We All Need to Start Somewhere
Whether it's running our first 5km, taking our first Zumba class or starting on our weight loss journey, we all start at the beginning.
Before we start anything, we need to think of what our goal is and start with small steps to reach our goal. We all have areas we want to improve on, but we need to start somewhere.
The journey may not always be easy, but we need to keep going even though there are times we feel like giving up.
From time to time, we all get that negative chatter that keeps us from reaching our goals.
I often get asked, how do I stay motivated and focused on my health journey?
I want to share a few tips to help you stay focused and work on your goals.
Before we start anything, we need to think of what our goal is and start with small steps to reach our goal. We all have areas we want to improve on, but we need to start somewhere.
The journey may not always be easy, but we need to keep going even though there are times we feel like giving up.
From time to time, we all get that negative chatter that keeps us from reaching our goals.
I often get asked, how do I stay motivated and focused on my health journey?
I want to share a few tips to help you stay focused and work on your goals.
Positive Mindset
Losing weight takes a combined approach of healthy eating, exercise, and a positive mindset. The number one problem with changing our body shape is that we have to change our thinking.
Anyone who has been on multiple diets can tell you about all of the negative thoughts that overcome their motivational weight loss goals.
Our mindset and our habits help determine where we go in life, what we accomplish and who we become.
It doesn’t even matter so much where we are right at this moment, because this is simply our starting point.
Take a moment to think about what you want, what you REALLY, truly want for your life.
Once we start to implement the habits, no matter how small, they will begin to move us in the direction of our goals.
Just start with ONE. That one habit can be the start of big changes - you may just be surprised. Write the one habit down in several places you’ll see it as a reminder.
We all have difficult days when we get off track. Things happen. Life happens. Just know it’s okay – dust yourself off, refocus on your goals and get back on track. We all veer off track at times; it’s part of life. The key is not judging yourself, and finding your way back.
Since this is such an important topic, I have a number of blog posts you can refer to about all things goal setting, mindset and habit creation. Click on any of the links below to check them out.
TIP: I love reading personal development books. If you love reading too, make it a goal to read one good personal development book a month (like The Slight Edge, by Jeff Olson, or The Power of Habit, by Charles Duhigg, for starters). Over the course of a year, you will have read 12 books that fill you with ideas, possibilities, motivation and action steps to help you surpass your original goals.
Anyone who has been on multiple diets can tell you about all of the negative thoughts that overcome their motivational weight loss goals.
Our mindset and our habits help determine where we go in life, what we accomplish and who we become.
It doesn’t even matter so much where we are right at this moment, because this is simply our starting point.
Take a moment to think about what you want, what you REALLY, truly want for your life.
Once we start to implement the habits, no matter how small, they will begin to move us in the direction of our goals.
Just start with ONE. That one habit can be the start of big changes - you may just be surprised. Write the one habit down in several places you’ll see it as a reminder.
We all have difficult days when we get off track. Things happen. Life happens. Just know it’s okay – dust yourself off, refocus on your goals and get back on track. We all veer off track at times; it’s part of life. The key is not judging yourself, and finding your way back.
Since this is such an important topic, I have a number of blog posts you can refer to about all things goal setting, mindset and habit creation. Click on any of the links below to check them out.
- Stress Management & Weight Loss
- SMART Goal Setting to Supercharge Your Health Goals
- Creating a Positive Mindset
- Shifting Your Mindset
- Lowering Our Stress Levels to Help Reach Our Weight Loss Goals
- Creating Positive Habits for Powerful Results
TIP: I love reading personal development books. If you love reading too, make it a goal to read one good personal development book a month (like The Slight Edge, by Jeff Olson, or The Power of Habit, by Charles Duhigg, for starters). Over the course of a year, you will have read 12 books that fill you with ideas, possibilities, motivation and action steps to help you surpass your original goals.
Keep on Going
The truth is everyone has doubts about themselves sometimes. We all have areas in our life where we wish we could improve... I do too! Even the most successful person had to start at point A to get to point B, to get to point C… to get where they are now. We all have to start somewhere and anything really IS possible.
The first step is to focus on what we really want and make a simple plan. And then get started.
Another way to look at life and get a new perspective is to think ahead to when we're 80 years old.
Imagine looking back on your life: What will you wish you had done? What will you wish you had not been afraid to do?
Better yet, phrase things in the affirmative, that you’re 80, reflecting on your life, and saying, “Yes, I did it. I did what I said I was going to do and I made it happen, I made my goal to _______________________________ happen.” You fill in the blank!
Our mindset creates our habits and our habits shape our life and our destiny. What do you REALLY want? What steps are you ready to take?
Let me know what you plan to start with and the plan you put together.
YOU can do this. I’m rooting for you!
The first step is to focus on what we really want and make a simple plan. And then get started.
Another way to look at life and get a new perspective is to think ahead to when we're 80 years old.
Imagine looking back on your life: What will you wish you had done? What will you wish you had not been afraid to do?
Better yet, phrase things in the affirmative, that you’re 80, reflecting on your life, and saying, “Yes, I did it. I did what I said I was going to do and I made it happen, I made my goal to _______________________________ happen.” You fill in the blank!
Our mindset creates our habits and our habits shape our life and our destiny. What do you REALLY want? What steps are you ready to take?
Let me know what you plan to start with and the plan you put together.
YOU can do this. I’m rooting for you!
Accountability is Everything
As a final tip to help set you up for maximum success is having an accountability partner/community.
Having a person or people to help keep us on track and motivated is one of the main factors of our success with big goals, such as weight loss and following a healthy lifestyle.
Being part of a health community helps to make our health journey fun! In the Simple Swaps group, for example, we motivate each other, cheer each other on and celebrate our successes along the way!
Whether it's our partner, a family member, a friend, or a co-worker, having a person to tell our goals to increases our chances of achieving them. And it can be surprising to find out how many others share similar goals once we start talking about them.
Now that you've thought about your goal and plan for achieving it, think about who you can tell it to!
Having a person or people to help keep us on track and motivated is one of the main factors of our success with big goals, such as weight loss and following a healthy lifestyle.
Being part of a health community helps to make our health journey fun! In the Simple Swaps group, for example, we motivate each other, cheer each other on and celebrate our successes along the way!
Whether it's our partner, a family member, a friend, or a co-worker, having a person to tell our goals to increases our chances of achieving them. And it can be surprising to find out how many others share similar goals once we start talking about them.
Now that you've thought about your goal and plan for achieving it, think about who you can tell it to!
Simple Wins!
"After much disappointment from falling off the "whole food wagon," (mostly due to being around others who eat anything, being crazy busy AND not preparing/planning ahead) I have learned from Cheryl to move ahead and pick up where I am... with much encouragement and genuine caring and coaching me along. I appreciate your help Cheryl Giambattista!"
~ Simple Swaps Member: Sandra
"After much disappointment from falling off the "whole food wagon," (mostly due to being around others who eat anything, being crazy busy AND not preparing/planning ahead) I have learned from Cheryl to move ahead and pick up where I am... with much encouragement and genuine caring and coaching me along. I appreciate your help Cheryl Giambattista!"
~ Simple Swaps Member: Sandra
Just Get Started
Whatever your goal is, you need to figure out why you really want to do it in the first place. Maybe it’s to to have more energy, to keep up with your grandkids, to lower your cholesterol or to fit into your favourite dress again. Then, figure out how. But don't worry - you're never on your own! I created the Simple Swaps Program as a simple and sustainable way to help you reach weight loss success! It's a personalized approach that will fit your busy schedule and your specific needs. And, it's got a built-in accountability group full of likeminded individuals all motivating one another to reach their goals! It's a foundational program where you will start making Simple Swaps to your diet and food purchasing habits so that you’re making the best choices to boost your metabolism and start burning fat! I've dedicated the past 15 years of my life helping others reach their health and weight loss goals. My coaching philosophy is founded on simple, sustainable and sensible eating habits that lead to a lean body and a lifetime of health! And I would love to help guide you to your healthiest, leanest body ever! Click here or on the button below to learn more about the Simple Swaps Program. |