The Change Challenge

Changing it up….

There are a lot of reasons to make changes in our lives. Some of us make changes every day, we are comfortable with change.  We accept the fact that some changes stick better than others. We accept the fact that if one strategy doesn’t work, there are other options to try. Other personalities struggle with change. These types of people have a much longer planning stage than most. They might not make as many changes in their lifetime, but when they do, they are lifelong.

How can you make sure that you are ready for change? I want you to ask yourself four questions.

Why?

How?

How will I?

I can…I will!!

The Why, is very important. Many people in our history have tried to make changes for others and failed because there was nothing attached to the change that benefits the person doing the work. This is a fast way to get nowhere. Do you want to become more well read, make more money, lose weight, or live a happier life? Be really honest about your why, your why makes the most difference.

The How, is going to take some research. I want you to make a list of the steps it will take from start to finish.  The bigger the life change, the bigger the list usually. Only when you write down, in your own words, what it is going to take to make this change can you build yourself a successful plan.

Now this is your personal plan. Go back through your How list and either accept the steps it is going to take, or make adjustments for those steps you know are going to be more difficult for you. Adjustments can be made in many different ways. Breaking big steps down into smaller more manageable steps can help you with the more difficult aspects of change. Accepting the fact that there are things you are not willing to do and looking for alternatives to those “impossible” requirements. Lastly, find help for those phases of change that are going to be the most difficult. Bring family and friends on board who can help shore you up during the most intimidating moments, build your network.

Finally, I can….I will!! Research has shown that when athletes use more mental imagery skills before their training, their game strategies, mental toughness, self-confidence, and motivational attitudes all seemed to develop in accordance with their new learnt skills. (Monroe-Chandler et al 2007) This means it is time to picture your results, find a quest place every day to meditate. Visualize the reaching of your goals and the outcome will become more real.

Time for this month’s challenge

This month I want to challenge you to the 1.5 mile cooper test.

 You will need to Run/Jog/Walk for 1.5 miles then use the following scale to find out how your cardiovascular fitness is looking. If you find yourself in the bottom 20%, you can used the steps I blogged earlier to help you improve on that score.

If you find yourself needing further help, don't forget that the trainers at MV Health and Fitness Academy are always here to help. You can contact me at ghouston@mvhospital.net or call 208.557.2823. 

Remember, do not be scared of big changes, you will never regret it.