Happy Motivation Monday!
I’ve been talking to my Spring Reset group about change. When we make up our minds to change and then focus on the results (or lack thereof), we are often left feeling discouraged. Either we want to lose 20 pounds and we feel like a failure because we’ve only lost 15, or we want to start exercising and we make a commitment to exercise every.single.day … only to feel defeated when we take a (likely much-needed!) rest day on the fourth day in. 
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The end result is definitely important, and I like to have the end result in mind when I’m setting a major goal. However, on a day-to-day basis, I recommend focusing on celebrating each individual change rather than worrying that we haven’t yet reached the end result.
So today, I’d like you to focus on making one healthy change. I’ve talked about the power of one change before, and I’ll talk about it again because it’s so powerful. When I work with Health Coaching clients, we often set just one goal for the week or two between meetings, and celebrate the success of that individual change as we’re working up to the client’s larger goal. I do this because, quite simply, it works! 
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This week, one of the small things I’m going to focus on is prioritizing sleep (so important, even if you’re busy!). It’s another of our Reset goals, and one of the healthiest habits I need to work on most!
So tell me in the comments … What one change are YOU going to focus on today?
Great post! So true! We are so results oriented we forget that small metamorphosis that is happening. We should do right not easy things. Eat healthy to better yourself. If we only look for the end result which might take longer to reach it can get frustrating. And end in us giving up because we “don’t see any results” when it’s just small ones we overlooked up until that point.
Seeing every baby step of progress I make – whichever individual goal we’re talking about – is something I’m constantly working on. If we only look for the end result which might take longer to reach it can get frustrating. And end in us giving up because we “don’t see any results” when it’s just small ones we overlooked up until that point.
I couldn’t agree more, Miss Polkadot! It can be hard to notice changes in ourselves – we’re so often waiting for the “huge change” to happen that we miss everything incremental!
Yes, yes, yes! This post is the epitome of motivation! How true is it by just changing our focus it can instantly inspire us? Looking at things in a more positive light is definitely the difference!
I couldn’t agree more, Morganne! Positivity is so underrated 🙂
I love that Jack Dixon quote! So true! We are so results oriented we forget that small metamorphosis that is happening. I’m doing that right now because my goal is a flatter tummy, so I’ve cut way back on carbs and most importantly, sugar. I can’t expect to be sporting a six back (and I may never, but that’s OK), but what I should be focusing on is how not having that much sugar is a great thing overall.
Ah yes, sugar … the bane of my existence (and most of America’s, too). Check out the trailer for this movie … I just watched it today and can’t WAIT to see the whole thing! http://drhyman.com/blog/2014/04/11/fed-official-trailer/
Oh heck yes! This is like a public service message because people ALWAYS focus on RESULTS — NO NO NO! Think about the here and now and what you can do RIGHT NOW to better yourself. Go for the sexy lean chicken instead of the fried chicken. Little changes like that add up to something BIG!
Yes! Little changes add up to something big. And of course you made me laugh with “sexy lean chicken”!
The changes I am trying to make this week: more sleep (we’re on spring break so this week will be easy) and cutting some of my processed foods.
Good for you, Deborah! Since I committed to sleep, I should probably go to bed, huh? 🙂
Yes! I was just talking to a client today about this…taking this one thing at a time. The change I’m trying to make is to cut back on screens in the evening and choose to read instead.
That change sounds really nice, Lauren, and is a good reminder to me to put this silly computer away!
One of the changes I’ve been working on it making my site a bit more presentable. Today, specifically, I will be working on narrowing down my content and planning my blogs for the next few weeks.
Keyword: Focus.
Good for you for identifying that you need to focus!! Just headed over to your site and it looks great!
For me it is like an engineering adage – focus on the inputs to control the outputs. It is the same basic idea – trying to manage results is futile, you really need to get back to the changes that will produce the desired effect and figure out how to make them part of you life.
For me?
– I got a new Kindle Paperwhite, which means I have no excuse for anything but pure reading at bed time … so like many others, it is the ‘unplug’.
– The boys left for Washington DC, so my focus tonight is a nice salmon & veg dinner for Lisa since she gets out of work later than me today 🙂
How was the salmon dinner??? Sounds amazing!
Great post! Focusing on change and commitment makes such a difference! (And having a group to hold you accountable is amazing, as well!) I’ve got a lot going on this month–staying positive, breathing, and loving every moment is key!
Sounds like April is busy for you, Lora! Good luck! I’m pulling for you!
My one change I’m going to focus on is making a cleaning schedule that works for me so I don’t get so overwhelmed when I need to clean my house. Instead of feeling like I have to do it all at once I want to get things a little more organized throughout the week.
I don’t actually use these (we have a really dorky spreadsheet to divide chores between Kevin and I), but if you just google image search “weekly cleaning schedule” there are a ton of cute print-outs that can help you!!
I’m going to focus on staying focused while working and then being unplugged when it is time!
Good for you, Sara. That seems to be a theme in the comments … and a habit I need to adopt, too!
You KNOW what challenge I’m taking on! This is a timely post. 🙂
Yes, I do. You’re ROCKING this challenge!
I’m going to focus on unplugging. I need to!
Amen, sister. Maybe I’ll tackle that next week!!!
Seeing as it’s Monday evening now, my focus on change is NOT to wake up tomorrow nervous for the work day ahead- I’m going to focus on changing my mindset to embrace it and not let the petty stress get to me! Cheers meg!
How are you doing with not letting petty stress get to you? I guess it’s almost the weekend for you, so hopefully that will help!!!
No matter how big or small change and progress are my biggest motivators!
Love it, Jill! Keep it up!