Changing to a healthier lifestyle may seem like a daunting task but it is easier than you think.
Think about how you got to this point in your life.
You consciously made little choices in your life a long the way to get where you are now.
Slowly over time you made the choice to eat differently, exercise less, and sleep less.
Now you have a few more pounds, less energy, and less motivation.
So to reverse this lifestyle you need to take small steps to change into a healthier way of life.
You didn't get out of shape over night so you can't expect to get back into shape overnight either.
So where do you start? First step is to get into the right mind-set by deciding what is the outcome that you want to achieve and then decide what you are willing to do to get there.
In other words decide what is more important.
Sitting down in front of the television 2 hours a night or giving up 20 to 40 minutes to exercise.
Or instead of grazing on potato chips chose to eat some nuts, or strawberries or some other type of healthy whole food.
You see "living healthy" is a choice.
You can fool yourself by saying you don't have time to work out or eat right or even to get enough rest but really if you took an inventory of your day and planned a bit in advance you could change small pieces of the day to be healthier.
For example make small veggie snack bags the night before so all you have to do in the morning is grab them out of the refrigerator and take them to work.
Or multi-task during the evening.
If you just can't give up 40 minutes of TV each night than do your push ups, squats, bridges and other body weight exercises while watching your favorite show.
You get to enjoy your show and get into shape.
Your body is your gym so use it where ever you happen to be.
So here is how I would get started.
First get out a piece of paper and write down what is the outcome goal that you want to achieve, be specific and make it so you can measure your progress.
Example: I will lose 15 pounds by March reducing my waist size from a 38 to a 34.
Now right out a performance goal for related to each outcome goal.
Example: I will work out for 20 minutes three times a week while watching TV.
Again something that can be measured.
Tip - write goals in a positive affirmation,I will instead of I want to.
Individuals who hope, I want to as oppose to individuals who are determined, I will, reach their goals less often because of this simple choice of words.
Remember thoughts shape reality! The next step is to set a purpose for each of your goals.
Example: I will get into better shape so I feel better, look better and can play ball with my kids.
Make sure the purpose has real meaning.
The stronger the purpose the greater the action.
Tip - Think about sometime in your life when you really wanted something; a new toy when you were a kid or new car, new watch, new tool, new dress for instance.
Now think what driving force made you work extra hard to get it.
You let nothing get in your way of achieving it.
Instead of spending money on other things you saved that money for what you really wanted.
This force was the purpose and value you put to meeting that goal.
The next step is to Visualize the outcome in vivid detail on a daily basis.
Same thing as day dreaming as a kid but with real intent.
Again the subconscious does not know the difference between dream and reality.
This is how top performers in life make things happen.
And finally you must take Action.
With out action the wheels never start to turn.
Start off by making small changes to your life.
It is very similar to a child who learns how to crawl, then stand up, then walk, then run.
So make up your mind and take the first step.
You will be glad you did!