Getting results can be challenging. Often when we don’t see results, we get frustrated and lose our momentum, setting us on a path of self-destruction. I have 10 simple steps that will ensure you’re not only getting results but that you’re also keeping your journey on a forward-moving pathway.
1. Do what you like, not what you are told
There is so much advice out there that it can be overwhelming: It’s hard to know what to listen to and what not to listen to. Just because one form of exercise or eating is popular right now or works for someone else doesn’t mean that you have to do it (or that it will even work for you, your body, and in your life). Find the things that you like and do more of those. For example, one of my friends does not like running. So even though I enjoy running, I don’t encourage her to run for her fitness, because she doesn’t like it. When you like what you are doing you are more likely to stick with it, rather than just doing something someone tells you to.
2. Stop making excuses
When you drop the excuses, you will find all the answers. You need to reframe how you look at things. You aren’t too busy. You can make the time if you really wanted to. Nutritious food isn’t too expensive. There are ways to eat a healthy diet on a budget. Instead of making excuses, start creating solutions.
3. Stop gossiping and get to work
We live in a voyeuristic world filled with reality television, celebrity gossip, media sensationalism, and tabloids. This often infiltrates our daily lives, causing us to gossip. Gossip takes us down a treacherous path and can lead us to lose sight of our goals and purpose. Stay away from gossip at work and instead get to work!
4. Get out of your own way
Sometimes we are our own barrier. In order to get results we have to get out of our own way. Don’t be the thing that holds you back. Be open-minded, be free, be ready for change.
5. Learn when to change it up
Being a creature of habit is not a bad thing, but you do have to be aware of when it’s time to change it up. Maybe you aren’t getting the results you want from your workouts; perhaps it’s time to take a new class or add heavier weights. Maybe you aren’t getting the results you want on the scale; maybe it’s time to clean up your nutrition and eat different foods. (See my grocery list.) They say the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting to see different results. So know when it’s time to make a change!
6. Stay knowledgeable
Information is power. The more you know, the more you grow as a person. One of the best things you can do for yourself is arm yourself with information. Let’s say you have decided that you want to try intermittent fasting—the best thing you could do is learn more about it before jumping into it without the right knowledge behind you. Get books, subscribe to blogs, listen to podcasts, and arm yourself with as much information as possible to make the right decisions for you and your body.
7. Put your body first
So many of us put ourselves last when instead we need to put ourselves first. You have to be your first priority. On airplanes they always tell you that you have to put on your oxygen mask first before helping others. Why? Because if you can’t breathe, how can you help others? The same is true in life and in fitness. You have to take care of you first. When you are healthy and happy, you are better equipped to be there for your family and friends.
8. Stop complaining
Negative energy is toxic. Do yourself a favor and try to limit your complaining. When you feel the urge to complain, think instead about what you could say that would be positive. Take a no complaint challenge, and enlist your friends and family to take it with you.
9. Get away from negativity
It’s been said that you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. Evaluate that circle of influence. Are they negative? Are they positive? Try to surround yourself with as much positivity as possible to really radiate through your life.
10. Stop procrastinating
Make a plan for your day and stick to it. Have your workout clothes ready before you head to the gym or have your DVD already set up before you start your at-home workout. Make sure you eat before you work out to fuel your body correctly for the workout. Don’t give yourself the opportunity to pause or to tell yourself “no” before you take action. JUST DO IT!