Like many people, you may have tried to change a bad habit, only to
become frustrated by your lack of results. Sometimes people fail to
change habits because they focus on the wrong reasons for
changing.
For example, perhaps you’ve tried to exercise at least four days a
week. At first you’re highly motivated, but after a month of devoted
exercise, you start to slack off. Eventually you find yourself spending
more time in front of the TV than at the gym. It may be that your
motivation to exercise is what’s tripping you up. Maybe it’s time to
step back and reconsider your reasons for wanting to change.
Examine Your Priorities
One way to do this is to write out the pros and cons of exercising
regularly. Look closely at the pro side of your list. You may see that
you are focused on exercising mainly as a way to lose weight.
Perhaps you have visions of looking like a swimwear model, or you’re
just trying to fit into last year’s jeans. While these aren’t bad reasons
for changing, they may not be motivating enough to help you stick
with healthy new habits. In fact, your reasons for wanting to change
may be unrealistic.
Instead, think about how getting regular exercise ties in with what
you value most in life. This will take you to a deeper level, where
changing a habit can have a more profound — and greater — effect
on your life.
Consider Your Values
Start by listing your values and then prioritize them. For example, on
your list of values you might include your family, your health and
longevity, your independence and your self-esteem. Now focus on
how exercise will help support these values. You may need to do
some research to understand how a healthy new habit such as exercise
can help you live a longer life by lowering your risk for certain
diseases. This means you’ll be more likely to be around for your
family for years to come. In addition, being physically fit will make it
easier for you to spend active time with your children and set a good
example for them and their future health.
Thinking about exercise — or any new habit — in relation to your
values may give you the motivation to stick with it. To help you stay
on track, post your list of values where you’ll see it every day. When
you feel like taking a day off, take a good look at your list and think
about how your new habit supports your values. There may be no
better motivator.
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