The other day I reminded a client about how far she’d come in her health journey.

Often people don’t take the time to look back on what’s worked or what hasn’t when we change our habits.  

She was able to track over 110 days (and counting) of her habit.

What was her #1 secret to making a lasting change?

She had successfully shifted her thinking away from needing sheer “willpower” to change her habits to understand that consistently showing up even when she didn’t feel like it led to her desired results.

I often get asked questions like:

• Is cardio better than weights?
• Does ice in your water make it better for you?
• I heard that five hours of sleep as an adult is fine. Is that true?
• I am only drinking my veggies, and that counts, right?

If you are piecing together your health strategy, trying to find the right way to do things one day, then switching gears the next, it’s like the saying I learned during my master coaching with Precision Nutrition “mowing the lawn while your house is on fire!”

With everyone at home and so much information about health and wellness at our fingertips, it’s easy to get caught up in the latest trends without focusing on the big things first regarding your health.  

Results come from executing the right (and most important) behaviors every day. 

Over and over and over.

Yup, it’s boring, but it works!

Since we have all entered the one-year mark since the WHO declared a pandemic, have you made changes in your habits that will stick?

Alternatively, are there old habits you’ve been able to shed?  

For me, my sleep routine has improved. Of course, that would be easy (that’s the point) because I don’t have a calendar full of evening plans.  

However, sleep has made a world of difference in my energy.

Here are some habits that may seem simple but can have a significant return on investment over time:

• Drinking six to eight glasses of water a day
• Adding fruits or vegetables at every meal
• Keeping screens out of your bedroom
• Going outside every day 
• Taking a moment to pause every day and recognize where your feet are (mindfulness) 
• Write one thing down a day that you’re grateful for

When you think about your own reality, ability, and current patterns, what small action could you take right now to move you closer to ONE healthier habit?  

To become healthier as individuals and as a society, we need to become people who try different things, listen to our bodies, and find positive lifestyle changes that we can stick with for the long haul. 

There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution when we look at health and fitness options. 

There’s only what works for us as individuals. 

As tennis legend, Arthur Ashe said, “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”

When you are changing your habits, mistakes made along the way aren’t the enemy – they are helping your brain re-wire and grow.

Remember: it’s not about being perfect; it’s about getting better.

Play On!

Coach Jan

P.S. Want to change your habits and have fun? 

• Sign up for my FREE 7 Days of Healthy Habits Course. Learn real-life, practical habits to incorporate quickly and efficiently starting now. 

• Grab a copy of my book, The Play Book: How To Get In The Habit Of Good Health

• To apply for coaching with me for yourself or your organization,  Click HERE to book a FREE Discovery Call, and let’s see if we are a good fit to work together.