Dedication: Staying True to the Course [Part 2]

Welcome back! In Part 1, we explored how to break through barriers and fully commit to our goals. Now, in Part 2, let’s keep the momentum going with more fantastic tips from some top-notch experts.

We need to take this advice seriously and start making positive changes in our lives right away. Having great knowledge is pointless without putting it into action.

By Julie Stiles, MA, CHC, Health Counselor, ThetaHealing® Practitioner:

1. Share Your Commitment: Telling a friend about your goals can increase the likelihood of sticking to them. Write it down, regularly update someone on your progress, or consider getting a coach for added accountability.

2. Understand Your Motivation: People often fail because they let temporary feelings, like tiredness, override their long-term desires. Keep your internal motivation front and center—not just “to lose 10 lbs,” but “to feel confident and love my body.”

3. Track Small Wins: Focusing only on long-term goals can be discouraging. Track small improvements along the way, and occasionally reward yourself to stay motivated.

4. Make It Easy and Inevitable: For nutrition changes, remove temptations from your environment and let others know about your goals. For fitness, establish a routine and partner with a friend, making it harder to opt out.

By Jennifer Racioppi, Integrative Health Coach:

A common roadblock in lasting change is what’s known as values conflicts—when conflicting values pull us away from our health goals in favor of another behavior. The key is understanding the value behind your old habits and finding ways to honor it without ruining your new goals.

1. Have a Strong Vision: Know clearly who you want to become.

2. Understand Your Values: Be aware of the values you’ll honor as you pursue your vision.

3. Balance Old and New Values: Recognize the value in your old habits and find ways to uphold them while pursuing your new path.

For instance, if someone skips workouts to spend time with their kids, the conflict is between valuing family time and personal health. They must find a way to balance both.

By Jayde Lovell, certified neuroscientist (BA, BSc, MSc):

People often fail at maintaining gym routines because discipline isn’t easy for everyone.

1. Be Fully Committed: If you’re not fully invested in achieving your fitness goals, you might give up on your gym routine quickly.

2. Prepare in Advance: Minimize the need for willpower by preparing ahead—like sleeping in your workout clothes or scheduling gym sessions with a friend.

3. Set Specific Goals: Clearly define your goals, such as “I will lose 5 pounds by February 15th,” as specific goals are more achievable.

4. Frame Challenges Positively: Instead of dreading gym sessions after work, think of it as a chance to escape the office and enjoy some fresh air.

These insightful tips from experts are just what you need to kickstart change. Now it’s your turn! Grab a pen and paper, jot down two changes you’d like to make, and use these tips to get started.

It’s time to put your willpower to the test and finally achieve the results you desire. Remember, the only thing holding you back is yourself!