Change Takes Time

Habits are formed over a long period of time by doing the same thing over and over again until it becomes part of your subconscious. Some of these habits serve us well i.e. like brushing your teeth daily and others like the 3pm sugar fix not so much. When we look to change habits, we need to assess why we had these habits to begin with. Of-course we don’t need to discuss the benefits of personal hygiene but if we take the example of the sugar, is it because we haven’t eaten well that day? Are we using the sugar as a “reward” for being too busy to have a proper break? Or do we just simply love that immediate satisfaction we feel. Breaking down habits requires an understanding of why that habit was established, and then breaking that connection.

When we set a goal to become healthier we make changes to our daily lifestyle, our habits which can include adding in regular exercise, making healthier choices about what to eat, cutting back on sugar or caffeine or giving up smoking.

Initially we have a lot of motivation that helps us to stick to our new goals, but as the motivation starts to subside and everyday life starts to get in the way the new habits we are trying to create start to slip.

This is when it is particularly important to stay focused on just getting through one day at time. Thinking about the big picture will become overwhelming and when we feel overwhelmed we may feel like it is easier to give up then to keep going.

It is also important to remember that you didn’t get to where you are overnight, it took time, possibly years so it will also take time to get to your goal. Set up realistic expectations, break up your big goal into small bite size pieces and celebrate the small wins along the way.

In saying this, we need to acknowledge that even sometimes with the best intentions we can have days that don’t reflect our new choices. This is totally normal and ok. Take the time to practice positive self-talk. Reflect on how far you have come. Re-set and get back on track. No matter how focused you are, we are all human and little hiccups along the way can even be seen as a lesson learned. Don’t let one meal/drink/cigarette/bad day derail the steady pace you have kept so far. You aren’t that person anymore!

If you find that you are still struggling, reach out to someone who understands your journey. Call a friend that has been successful in losing weight or breaking a habit that they no longer wish to have as part of their lives. Ask them how they overcame their stumbling blocks. If you feel that you cannot or do not want to share, call your Re:You Dietitian, Lifestyle and Behavioural Coach or Bariatric GP. They most certainly understand where you are coming from.

Finally, it is really important to remind yourself why are you doing this? Is it for your health, to feel more confident, to be able to keep up with your kids/partner/friends, to buy new clothes (or fit into your old ones) or to simply have a better quality of life. What ever the reason(s), this is your emotional tie to your goal and will keep you motivated even when times get tough.