So – something inside of you has prompted you to take the plunge. Perhaps it is the niggling body part that just wont shift. What about the knowledge that you know you have to do it because someone told you so.
How about the spare tyre that is just bugging the life out of you? So much so that wearing an overcoat in 30 degrees of heat becomes an attractive proposition.
Taking the first step is crucial.
What is it?
Quite simple really – the first step is up to you. But only you can do it. Decide what that is and just do it.
Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Just do it.
Don’t wait for the rain to stop. Just do it.
Don’t wait for the right workout outfit to suddenly appear miracoulsy from the press. Just do it.
Don’t wait for the perfect time. It won’t come.
SO what can you do to kick things off?
I am a huge believer in mini-steps. The Japanese have a word for this – ‘Kaizen’ or in short continuous and never-ending improvement. Each day take a step. Big or small. Yet over time these steps all add up.
Think of it this way. You commit to making sure you have your gym gear in the bag every evening allowing you to hit the gym before you head home. You do this for a week. BY the end of the week you feel good. Why?
Well simply put you have achieved a mini goal. One that will serve you well and inspires you to build upon in the next week. Over the course of 12 weeks you introduce 10 new mini agreements that you manage to keep to.
See how this can build into something significant.
So what first steps can you do now to begin this journey and make significant inroads?
Set your vision by writing it down. Did you know you are 80% more likely to achieve this target if you simply write it down? A two-minute exercise could be the difference between success or failure.
Write down what you want to achieve in specific terms with a time stamp on it. ‘Getting Fit’ is about as effective as a knitted balloon. ‘I want to lose 12 lbs of fat by September 10th – I am going to achieve this by etc etc’.
How about just making a call? Call your friends, family or a professional. Tell them what you want to achieve and get them ‘onboard’. Can you imagine Kerry turning up to the All-Ireland Final with no Manager, Kit Man, Coach, Physical Trainer or Personal Stylist (!). My point is we all need help.
I really enjoy food but what if you are unsure about what to eat to help you towards your goals and end up popping to the Supermarket with the kids and leaving with half the contents of the biscuit aisle and all their ‘2 for 1s’.
By making a list you are likely to a) save money and b) stick to an eating plan for the week. Buy your meat and fish in bulk from a butcher who can tailor your needs.
Coupled with this, a food diary is a crucial first step. The activity of recording what you eat and putting it down on paper will highlight to you good and bad habits that you may have developed.
My first step to the day is meat and nuts for breakfast. Why? Meat or more importantly protein raises the production of the neurotransmitter dopamine; a hormone that gives stimulates energy, drive, motivation and mood. Nuts keep your blood sugars stable and maintain your energy levels throughout the day.
First steps are crucial. Choose a step that you know you will succeed in and build on this.
John Lark is a Fat Loss Specialist using Personalised Exercise, Nutrition and Supplement techniques. Go to www.spherefitnessstudio.com to download your complimentary report on Modern Fat Loss Techniques or call 01-5052131.
