Changing you lifestyle could save your life. What is keeping you from living a healthy lifestyle?
Here are some things that I had a hard time overcoming:
1. Negativity
Don’t be a victim of negative thinking. It is really easy to get caught up in thinking that
we can’t do it or that it will not make a difference. If you make the effort and focus on
making a lifestyle change, not just a means to an end, you will be successful. Negativity can come
from others just as much as from you. Don’t listen to others when they start making negative
comments. I’ve had people tell me how running can cause joint problems and give all kinds of
reasons why they can’t do it and I just tell them that they can do it to.
2. Unrealistic expectations
To think that I’m going to be able to run 10 miles or create a perfect budget when starting
out is unrealistic. When you want to change you lifestyle, it’s best to start slow and expect
a long track. I’ve heard it said over and again, “there is no short cut to any place
worth going.” You want to change your lifestyle instead of just changing behavior for a while.
It takes discipline and work, but I can guarantee that it’s worth it.
3. Frustration
We’ve all experienced frustration when doing something difficult. It’s important to
stick with your plan no matter what. Try to surround yourself with positive, encouraging people who
can help you to stay on track when frustration sets in. Accountability is you best friend.
It’s also good to have a healthy release, something you enjoy doing that can help release
frustration and get you back on track. For me it’s running, it could be anything but I try to
make sure that I find healthy activities like reading, exercising or interacting with friends and
family.
4. Denial
I’m not talking about a river in Egypt. It’s important to be honest with yourself
when you access you lifestyle. When in doubt ask someone close to you, they will be honest and have
your best interest in mind. I can often catch myself in denial by what I say and the excuses I make.
When you have to make excuses to justify something than chances are it does not belong.
5. Lack of Personal Responsibility
Who is to blame for your situation? In all or some capacity, you are responsible for your
situation. I hear a lot of people talking about how someone else did something to put them in that
situation or the economy is responsible for them not being able to make a payment. I challenge
everyone to look to themselves first. If I can’t make that payment, maybe it’s because I
chose to spent money somewhere else. Instead of asking why someone is not helping you, ask why I
have not helped myself. I have seen people who have chose a different situation despite their
environment. You can too.
6. Ignorance
If you don’t know what a healthy life looks like, you won’t know how to get there.
Take the time to learn new things and consider new ideas, read a book or two. It’s amazing how
your perspective changes when you know more about any topic. Knowledge is power.
The 12 steppers define insanity as doing the same thing over and expecting a different result.
Join me and put these obstacles behind us so we can live health, full lives.
