Where to Start . . .

This is actually NOT the post I intended to write and share. In fact, this is a re-share of an older post. But here is why.

I made the mistake of telling a friend that my next post was going to be on Self Sabatage. I had to explain what that was, how I see it happen with clients and my understanding as to why it often happens. That lead to talking about habits, how HARD creating new habits are and how HARD breaking habits are.

So, I decided to take it a step back to where I actually begin when I have a new client, or where I begin when I am trying a new thing on my own personal development journey. (and there always seems to be something I am trying to do, undo or master (;. ) This brings me to the first and foremost question:

When I begin working with a new Health/Wellness client do you know the first thing we do?

I’ll tell you what we do NOT do.

We do not talk about food, what to eat and what not to eat.

We do not talk about exercise. How much, how little, what types to begin, what works best.

The first thing we begin implementing is mindset.

When you want to make changes in your lifestyle, whether it be beginning exercise, changing your diet, reducing stress, making healthy habits - the most important thing is to start with small steps that will lead to longevity and a healthier lifestyle. And to do this you have to change your thoughts.

THE BEST WAY TO REACH NEW HEALTH GOALS (OR ANY GOALS) IS SHIFTING YOUR MINDSET.

So, the first thing I do with new clients is to begin to get to know them and have them decide WHY it is they called me. WHY they want to make a change. WHY this change is important.

Creating a new habit, lifestyle and way of being is not easy. Let’s face it, if it were we would all be the people we strive to be, right? It takes creating new ways of thinking and new ways of doing. Our brains and bodies do not like change. For that reason, we all need a really big and important WHY – one that is so important and special to us that it overrides our natural tendency to remain nice and comfortable, right where we are.

I have had clients who want to be able to get on the floor with grandkids when the time comes. I have clients who want to find themselves again after putting everyone else first. I have clients who want to be able to enjoy their day, vacation, basically, their life without worrying about being afraid to eat. I have clients who want to feel good on a special day. I have clients who want to learn how to eat healthy, whole foods to feel their best.

Regardless of the goal, I am not going to give a client a list of do’s and don’ts. I’m not going to provide a regimented meal plan, an answer to what seems to hold them back, or a “cheat sheet” they will follow while we work together.

Because following a strict something that I have created will only last as long as they are willing and able to follow that strict something. At some point, we all have to live our lives, learn to be flexible and find our own solutions.

We begin diving into the thoughts that create the actions and habits. We look at how the previous things they tried worked or didn’t work, what lasted, what didn’t and why.

I can’t tell a client what will work for them. We are our own unique, different, science experiments. There are always reasons behind the choices we make. There are reasons behind the habits we develop. If your current actions and habits are not serving you, the first thing in the process of making a change is to figure out the why behind those habits. This is without judgment. This is just asking the questions and working through the puzzle.

Your thoughts and your mind are the most important piece to your health puzzle (and the one most often ignored). We are basically what we think. So, if you are looking to make a change and create new goals, how you think is crucial. If you think you are too old and will never be able to get on the floor to play with your grandchild. . . well, then there is your answer.

But that can change. And I love when a client gets that shift and has that “aha” moment. It is when they are willing to do the work on the inside (where it matters) that brings lasting results on the outside, (but also on the inside where it will remain).

Think about how you want to be and how you want to feel. And WHY. WHY is it so important?

Then we can begin working on HOW to get there.

I’ve spent years working with women in fitness, one on one training, group fitness, nutrition coaching, (all of which I love) but this is so much more – and better. It’s really working on the whole thing. It is finding true wellbeing.

*I admit that when I first began working with clients in this type of coaching style, I still wanted to hold on to that “here’s what you do” type of teaching. And I cringe at some of the mistakes I have made! It’s a good thing we do better when we know better!*

So, whatever you are doing by way of creating habit change and whether it is on your own or with a coach, I hope you begin with your WHY, and begin working with your mind and how you have been and are thinking. Your thoughts will bring the change and keep you on your way.

Once you know the process, how to think and how to really look at setting your goal, you can use it for anything, again and again. And your WHY can change. You may begin your journey and realize what you thought mattered, really isn’t what you want at all. That’s okay. Our goals, desires and reasons change with our seasons. Don’t you remember thinking you wanted to be a certain way or had reasons for a goal when you were younger? I know now that I’m at a certain age, my health goal has much more to do with longevity, and vitality than it did in my 20’s when it was all about looking good on a beach weekend or in my 30’s when it was about losing baby weight.

It all begins with your mind. That’s the best place to start. Your mind will keep you consistent when your brain and body start pulling back.

Remember, if you need some nudging or cheering along the way (or some coaching), I’m right here!

Also, below is one of my latest Walk & Talks. I posted this a couple of weeks ago after receiving a really nice compliment that was so unexpected but so nice it just made my week. Then, just today, a similar thing happened. I can say, personally, it really does make a difference. It’s such a simple way to make someone’s day, to make someone smile, and to give something to someone, and, in the giving, it’s also a super simple way to boost your own day.