Changing your lifestyle seems like a difficult thing. You may have tried it countless times and seem destined for failure. Be encouraged, because that’s good news in regards to successful behavior changes. A growing body of research shows that people who achieve a healthier lifestyle do so only after a few unsuccessful attempts. Developing and maintaining new habits takes time. If you reflect upon your past attempts, you will find there have been small changes along the way. Small changes that become established repetitious patterns will develop into a successful healthy lifestyle.
Here are nine easy steps to help you make positive lifestyle changes.
1. Develop your own lifestyle plan.
People who devise their own plan or adapt an expert’s plan to their lifestyle seem to be more successful. A successful plan is about becoming all you can be and not about becoming someone else. Discover what works best for you!
2. Get real about it.
Set realistic goals – ones that are achievable and reachable! Remember, the destination is only reached because of the steps we take along the way. Make short-term goals to build your lifelong habit of healthy living.
3. Walk the walk, don’t just talk the talk.
Talkers tell fairy-tales and daydreamers build illusions, creating a fantasy world. You want to live in reality. There is no other way than to get active and participate. Physical, mental and spiritual activity is the key to achieving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
4. It’s day by day.
Don’t expect to change overnight! Changing too much too fast can cause frustration, feelings of failure and overwhelming mental short-circuits. Make small, incremental changes to develop a successful healthier lifestyle.
5. Keep a positive mindset.
It’s all in the way you look at it! Change the “I have to” to “I want to.” It’s not about being overweight or having a disease but rather all about wanting to live life to the fullest. Spend time with people who have a positive attitude and who make you feel good about yourself.
6. Accept perfect imperfection.
Feeling good about you starts not “when…”, but “right now.” The all-important keys to self-acceptance and self-love are obtained by accepting who you are now and how you look today. The “perfect” lifestyle is one you can live with and not die attempting to achieve. Healthy lifestyles come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
7. Reward you!
Congratulate yourself for each improvement you make. Do something nice for yourself like soaking in a relaxing tub, buying a new CD, or going to the movies with a friend.
8. Believe you can!
Have faith in your ability to achieve a healthier lifestyle. Expect to be successful. We live out our self-fulfilling prophecies from what we really believe about ourselves.
9. Do it because you can!
Remember, you are the most important reason to do it! Let that thought empower you to action and create a healthy “You Can” lifestyle!
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