How often have you admonished yourself for one of your health habits?  Many of us are on a self-improvement roller coaster on which we are “good” one week and “bad” the next.  And, what’s worse: we beat ourselves up for our perceived failings.

Shame & Blame

Instead of the shame and blame technique, I’d like to encourage you to try a different approach the next time you want to work toward a health-improvement goal. 

When you are ready to make a change, such as eating more vegetables or drinking more water, learn to identify and appreciate your personal strengths. 

Are you funny, creative, or strong-willed? Find a way to access your strengths to make the change you desire.  Use your creative side to develop new, interesting ways to prepare vegetables you will enjoy.  Or if you are a strong-willed individual, find a way to use your determination to work toward what you want for yourself.

Tap into Your Enthusiasm

In my coaching work, I find that working from our strengths or assets actually boosts our energy for the task at hand. 

We become excited about the possibilities of having more of what we want in our lives – whether it’s sleep, exercise, fun or vegetables – and confident in our ability to succeed.

Playing with Changes

Once you have identified and appreciated your strengths, the next step is to experiment with one small change.  Try a new behavior on for size.  If it doesn’t seem to suit you, that’s OK.  You are just playing with the idea.  You can try something else next. 

The hope is that the experimentation will lead to fun, creative ways to meet your goal.  The key is to remain patient with yourself, understanding that life is a work in progress. 

Anything you do with this mindset will move you toward greater health, even if it isn’t a linear process.  You may take two steps forward, one step back.  Or it may even be ONE step forward, TWO steps back.  Either way is okay.

Just continue to stay conscious of your desires, remember your strengths, and keep playing with ideas and actions that can help you feel healthier and happier.

What are your strengths?  How have you used them in the past to accomplish something amazing?  I’d love to hear about it in the comments section below.

 

Sara Armstrong is the owner of Zoi Wellness Consulting. In addition to wellness coaching, Sara specializes in health education seminars, diabetes prevention and management, Health for EVERY Body, and worksite wellness design. You can email Sara for a free wellness consultation at sara@zoiconsulting.com.