A new diagnosis. A decline in energy. A growing desire to be healthier. These all can be reasons to embark on creating new habits. Many times though, actually following through and making those habits stick can be challenging. That’s where a solid habit strategy comes into play.
Maybe you have tried to develop a new goal or behavior but failed. Instead of blaming yourself, look at the steps you took to get there. Through developing specific, realistic goals, discovering your motivators, and regularly reviewing your habits you CAN make habits work for you.
Here are 3 strategies to consider:
#1 Make your goals SMART
Ensure your goals align with SMART criteria. SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound. For example, if you want to eat more home-cooked healthy meals, be more specific by including actions and strategies to help you achieve that goal. Including specific dates and times in your goal will help you stay motivated and focused as well. Try making home cooked meals a fun event by blocking it off in your calendar. Set realistic goals that challenge you to grow but are within reach. To create more realistic goals, start with small simple steps that you feel confident in each week, and then build over time.
#2 Dig Deep and Discover your Motivators
Your habits should be based on what works for you, not someone else. Understanding what is motivating you to change will help you follow through because you want to, not because you have to. If you want to cook more meals at home, explore why that is important to you right now. Keeping your motivators visible in your environment can also help. If your motivation for wanting home-cooked meals is to nourish your family, try putting a picture of your family eating nutritious foods on the fridge. This will remind you of that feeling and desire to follow through.
Here are some questions to help you understand your motivators:
- “Why do I want this goal?” Describe why you want to make this change.
- “Why is this habit important right now? Will it be important 5 years from now?”
- “How will making this change affect other areas of my life? How do you feel about these changes?”
- “How do you feel when you think about your goal? Are you excited or worried? What could you do to make those feelings more positive?”
#3 Review Your Habits Regularly
To successfully develop a habit that works for you, reflect intentionally on what is working well and not working so well. If you feel like “habits aren’t for you” because you have “failed” in the past, consider viewing your previous attempts as learning opportunities. To do this, measuring and reviewing your goals is necessary. If the commitment to reviewing habits regularly feels intimidating or challenging, you may need support from a coach.
Did you know that you could pay $0 for a personal dietitian?
All Access Dietitians is a virtual dietitian practice in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield and United Healthcare, which covers unlimited preventive and medical nutrition counseling in most plans. No deductible needs to be met, no doctor referral, no diagnosis needed. (Thanks, 2017 Affordable Care Act!)
Their team of dietitians coach you to better health in a personalized and sustainable way. They are specialized in a variety of medical conditions as well as general wellness, sports nutrition, and healthy aging. Founder Jenny Westerkamp, RD is former pro sports dietitian for the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Cubs. Her 13-year career in sports inspired her to create the “Dietitian Coach Approach”, which combines the expertise of a dietitian with the behavior change approach of a health coach.
Here’s how to get started
Go to allaccessdietitians.com/get-started to complete a short new client packet with your insurance information. We will then confirm you are eligible for free appointments, and then you will be on your way to better health!
Note: Self-pay, HSA/FSA accepted. Available for clients in AK, AZ, CA, CO, FL, IL, IN, NY, OK, OR, PA, TV, VA.
Author: Jenny Westerkamp, RD, CSSD – Founder of All Access Dietitians. All Access Dietitians combines the science of nutrition with the art of coaching to take your health to the next level. Through their 12-week Nutrition+ Coaching program, you can work with a Dietitian Coach to create a personalized plan that takes into account your unique needs and preferences. With weekly health coaching sessions, you will have a dedicated time to cultivate a new mindset and healthier habits. Head over to their website to see if your program is 100% free with Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance by completing a complimentary benefits check.
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