Last month the team and I had our annual vision meeting.
We recapped how 2016 went, and what the plans were for 2017 and beyond.
One the breakout sessions we had was looking at our values as well as to see if we could come up with a "mascot" for our business.
As you can imagine, some of the animal responses were quite amusing.
However, the one that stuck out as a "mascot" was the infinity symbol.
So, not really a mascot (we're still working on that), but I believe a nice a symbol that defines our philosophy that fitness is a never ending journey.
It's a pursuit to be happier, to be 1% better, and it never ends.
You don't lose your goal weight and then just stop.
It's like the infinity symbol...it just keeps going.
So...
Although we may get "off track" or off the wagon...
That's all part of the journey.
You can't always be on, none of us are always 100% on.
So what do you do if you're feeling like you're off track?
Here are my top three recommendations...
1. Identify The One Thing
I think the biggest reason why people stay off track is the fear of being overwhelmed.
There's always going to be 101 things you could be doing better.
But what's the one thing?
I can't tell you what yours is.
Maybe it's working on getting 7 hours of sleep.
Maybe it's getting 2 servings of vegetables in.
Maybe it's going for a walk around the building at lunch to spark activity.
Whatever it is...
Pick one thing.
Don't try to tackle everything at once.
Tackle one thing, stay consistent with it for two weeks, and then tackle another thing.
Keep the snowball rolling...
Next thing you know that snowball that was the size of a golf ball is now the size of a big boulder.
2. Plan Well
Life is going to happen.
You're going to be up with the kids.
You're going to get invited out to dinner.
Something is going to get in the way of you going to the gym.
If you have a "plan B" for the most common scenarios then you just execute the plan.
For example...
We know time is our most valuable asset.
If you can't make it to the gym, do you have an at home workout ready to go?
Or...if you're trying to work on increasing protein intake.
Have you made it really easy by preparing quick on-the-go protein sources you can intake at any time?
Failing to plan is planning to fail.
We all know life can get in the way, and may "knock you off the wagon," but if you have a backup plan you can't be stopped.
3. There are Only Good Days & Great Days
This is the mindset I try to live by every single day.
Most people that fall off the wagon get caught up in their own heads.
They have one bad day, and then that snowballs into a bad week.
Next thing you know, it's been a month or two since you've done something for yourself.
Positive thinking and gratitude do wonder for the mind.
You'll quite often hear me say...
"It could always be worse."
I live by the belief that we only have good days and great days.
Sure, something could have gone wrong today, but that doesn't make it a bad day.
Spend 30 seconds realizing how good it was.
You got to wake up and see your family or kids.
You have a roof over your head.
Whatever it is...
Missing a workout or not getting enough protein in one day does not make it a bad day.
Spend each morning as you wake, and each night before you go to bed, thinking about the top three things that were good today.
Every day we always have at least three.
Some days we have more, some days finding those three is a struggle...
We only have good days and great days.
Feeling like you're "off the wagon" is 100% a mental game.
All it takes is some positive thinking and one action to get the snowball rolling again.
Easy?
No, of course not.
However, if you work on these three things it will be much easier next time it happens.
1% better, right?
Dedicated to Your Success,
Doug Spurling
PS: A bonus tip. Do everything in groups. The social literature all suggests that doing things in small groups accounts for not only a higher success rate, but more fun, and more accountability. Join our fun group ===>>>
