Why Why Why Do I Talk About Why So Much?
Yep, that’s me with the big fat curly hair, at my high school graduation with friends Joan and Diane, circa 1981. Sitting for the NBHWC is the hardest academic thing I’ve done since around that time. (Getting accepted into college).
Remember a few issues ago when I talked about taking “the test”? (Here is the link if you’re new here, or just want to read it again: https://www.livingdelishandnutrish.com/thedish/the-test). So many of you replied and commented on the blog post in complete solidarity, it was truly humbling to receive so much support. I thank each of you for the positive thoughts. I am thrilled to report that I PASSED! It was the most difficult thing I’ve done, academically or career wise, in many years, and it’s proof that you can do whatever you put your mind to, if it’s priority enough, and be successful.
“My Why” for this career endeavor was, and still is, that I want to share what I’ve learned through my own personal health journey with others, because it’s not an end-game. It’s a lifelong journey, and having long-term goals is how success endures.
One of the first questions I ask a new client is “What is ‘Your Why’ for doing my program?”. Typical answers begin with “to lose weight for an upcoming event” or “to be able to keep up with the kids on a hiking vacation” or “to complete that marathon”? These are short-term goals. What happens once you reach that goal? Are you finished? Do you return to your old ways? What did you learn about yourself along the way that could make your new habits sustainable? How do you turn them into a lifestyle? So I follow up by asking to go deeper.
Long term goals look more like “I want to age gracefully, be mobile and continue an active lifestyle.” Or, “I want to improve my health to get off of specific medications.” Or, “I don’t want to develop this disease that runs in my family.” When you’re in it for the long run, this kind of “Why” sustains every decision you make. It’s at the forefront of all you do. Eating well. Developing a nighttime routine for better sleep. Movement or exercise regimens. Taking time to decompress after a stressful day at work.
When you develop any new habit that you want to continue, it should be like brushing your teeth. That is to say you miss it when you don’t do it. It takes at least 66 days to develop a new habit. Nearly a year for it to be considered routine. So, what about eating, movement, sleep and stress do you want to discover about yourself? What new habits do you want to incorporate into your life to make improvements? Are you willing to put in the work? And why?
Many clients feel a sense of relief when we begin working on a protocol together to improve upon their current lifestyle, because they soon realize how easy it is to incorporate a few small changes for a big impact. Simple solutions can have lifetime benefits. They can include a change in diet to rule out problematic foods, unplugging from electronics as part of a new bedtime routine, an enjoyable movement regimen that doesn’t feel like exercise. The solution doesn’t have to be “all or nothing”. What if you gave yourself credit for every little thing? How would that feel at the end of the day? Or week? Feeling accomplished in small goals gives you incentive to continue to make changes. You are worth the effort. Make yourself a priority. Over time, new habits feel like second nature. How can I help you discover Your Why, and make lasting changes to your health?
