Look Ma, No Hands!
By Nicole Clancy

“Look Ma, no hands” we’d shout growing up as we hurled ourselves higher and higher on the swing-set. As youngsters many of us chose our behavior to intentionally-please, (and sometimes to intentionally not-please) others. As adults, what motivation do we have to live healthy? Choose healthy behavior to please yourself! Then reward yourself for a job well-done!

Dream it. If it’s in your mind, you can accomplish it! (That is, if you want it badly enough!)

Plan it. There’s a reason the phrase “Fail to plan, plan to fail” is still spoken in leadership groups today.

Commit to it. Wrap your mind around the task first. Think about it how good it will feel to complete.

Prioritize it. Let’s face it there are usually many other tasks we feel we should be doing instead of exercise. However, the bottom line is; what’s more important than your health?

Embrace it. Embrace all the feelings your task brings; the good and not-so-good. Remember their goals, they’re supposed to be challenging!

Log it. Purchase a calendar, print one from your computer or design an excel spreadsheet to log your workouts. Each week you will enjoy the visual reinforcement of accomplishing your goals.

Do it. Arise 10 minutes early each Monday and set three goals or action-steps you will take during the week. Write them down, tell supportive friends or family members and check them off when completed.

Enjoy it. Taking time for yourself and doing something that makes you happy, for example going for a bike ride is not selfish-behavior. If you’re happy and healthy, you’ll be a better parent, employee, friend, spouse or whatever role you encompass.

Live it. Embody all the behaviors of what you want to accomplish. For example, if you’re training for an athletic event, what other behaviors should your day include? Embody all the behaviors of an athlete; proper hydration, sufficient recovery, adequate stretching, appropriate food-intake, never missing a workout, determination and mental focus.
Celebrate it. Set up a reward-system for yourself. What is something you like to do, but don’t have the chance often enough? Or is there somewhere you’ve been wishing to travel, but haven’t planned it yet? Promise yourself an external reward upon accomplishing your goal.

Choose to live a healthy lifestyle because it’s important TO YOU!

As featured in Santa Barbara News Press “Simply Fit” column February 27, 2007.