Friday, August 12, 2011

The Inner Game of Making a Healthy Lifestyle Change

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by Guest Blogger: Timothy R. Cline, PhD, MCC
Whether your goal is to lose a few pounds, quit smoking, or to be more physically active, most people think that will power is the key to success. While making lasting, healthy changes does take a good amount of determination, relying solely on being “strong enough” is a game plan doomed for failure. Today’s blog looks at the key features of a winning game plan – from the inside out.

• Motivation – think about the activities and people that are most important to you, and consider how your healthy change aligns with your priorities – now and for the future.
• Commitment – Write a statement to formalize your commitment to the goal. State why your goal is important to you and when you will start working on it. List the key parts of your game plan. Post your commitment statement where you, and others who support you, will see it often.
• Believe in yourself – know that set backs are normal. It’s how you handle them that makes the difference. When things don’t go as planned, don’t throw in the towel. Instead, step back and think of past accomplishments and the challenges you have overcome. Reflect on the personal attributes you have and the skills you used to succeed. Then think of how you can apply those attributes and skills to your current situation. Adopt an “I can do it” attitude.
• Reach out to others – even the best Olympic and professional athletes need some kind of ongoing support. Whether it’s a friend to cheer you on or a skilled helper, such as a health coach, to help you learn a new skill or untangle a snafu, ask for the help you need. Why struggle on your own when help is around the corner?

For more on this topic, listen to my podcast about the 2 Reasons Why People Struggle with Quitting Smoking:
http://soundcloud.com/upmchealthplan/2-reasons-why-people-struggle

Creating a healthier lifestyle that can be observed on the outside starts with a foundation built on the inside. What are some of your strategies for success?
Posted by Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom at 5:01 AM

2 comments:

  1. AnonymousAugust 17, 2011 at 4:22 PM

    Great tips. I do some of these and plan on incorporating some new ones. Thanks! One this I would add is have short term goals as well as long term. It's a lot easier to focus on daily goals vs an end goal.

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  2. AnonymousAugust 18, 2011 at 10:13 AM

    Hi! Dr. Timothy Cline here, thanks for reading my post, and especially for your great comment. You are right on target! Many people find the acronym “SMART” very effective in setting their short-term goals. SMART stands for:

    Specific – when, where, how, and what will I do and with whom will I do it?

    Measurable – does the goal contain a number; can I count it?

    Appropriate – will the action chosen lead to the achievement of my goal?

    Realistic – is my goal too hard or too easy?

    Timed – does my goal have a clear start and end date?

    Here is a good example of a SMART short-term goal: I will take a brisk, 30-minute walk at lunchtime with my coworker Jan on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday this week.

    Thanks again for your great insight! Combining a strong inner game with the right tools and skills is the recipe for success.

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