Wednesday musings, 12/30/15

One of the first things I ask clients during our initial consultation is “what are your goals?” Often, this has been mentioned when they initially contact me (“I am looking to regain strength and flexibility,” or “I would like do things and not be afraid that I am going to hurt myself” are all goals I have heard this year). By the time clients are interested in hiring me, they have identified reasons strength and mobility will enhance their lives.

In the book, “Better than Before,” Gretchen Rubin discusses the importance of clarity in defining goals and new habits. The more clear you are about both what you want and why you want it, the more likely you are to adopt a habit into part of our life. If, for instance, you aren’t a runner, but you decide you want to run a half marathon and the reason why is because a friend of yours is doing it, chances are slim you will adopt running as a regular habit after the 1/2 marathon is over. On the other hand, if your blood pressure is high and your doctor wants to put out on medication, that same 1/2 marathon might be enough to inspire to make a lifestyle change that includes running regularly.  If you are hoping to make a change in 2016, ask yourself why you want to make the change. If the answer involves something meaningful to you, write it down, and hang it somewhere you will see it every day, or make it your screensaver on your phone or computer. Identifying your values and reminding yourself what those are when the cookie jar calls or the snooze button sounds way more enticing than the 5:00AM wake up call to exercise can go a long way in making a lifestyle goal a reality.