- Have you ever started an exercise program and then stopped?
- Has your doctor told you to exercise?
- Do you feel that you can never be successful with activity?
- Do you want to learn how to be self-sufficient with your exercise program?
- Are you ready and willing to change how you think about “exercise?”
photo credit: pennstatenews via photopin cc
Today we begin a series of posts to help begin living an active life – successfully! Here is a little secret: there is no magic! The only “magic” required is hiding somewhere in your approach. When you understand how your approach can pave the way toward success, you will begin to create path toward a life of feeling better, having more energy finally be able to fit into those skinny jeans. Today we look at the first step towards living a healthy and active life.
What is an active life? Begin by defining what an active life means to you. Forget what the magazine covers show, forget what you see on TV, forget everything the media wants you to think. Do you want to learn to dance? Do you want to finally run (or walk) a 5K? Or do you just want to be able to play with your grand kids without having to take a nap afterward? There is no right or wrong answer. If you were to look out in the future, how do you want to be living with respect to physical activity? Paint yourself a picture of what your life would be like. Here are a set of questions to ask:
- Who do I want to be?
- What do I want to achieve?
- Why does this matter to me right now?
- What strengths can I draw upon? Or how have I been successful in the past?
- What challenges will I need to overcome?
- What support team and structures will I put in place?
These are some heavy-duty questions that, once you are clear on your answers, set the foundation for success.
So here is what you need to do over the next week. On a sheet of paper or in a special journal, write these questions down and think about them throughout the days ahead. Successful change happens slowly. Begin with building a foundation for change and you will have a better chance for success. We will build upon this next week. Until then, be mindful!