Ultimately, our habits will either make us or break us.
The little things we consistently do all add up to produce some type of result.
When you are out of shape and feeling particularly unhealthy, take a look at what your average day looks like and the answers as to why will be there.
When you are in good shape, feeling healthy and energised, again you can take a look at what your average day looks like and the answers as to why will be there.
Two opposing positions but the fact remains the same that we are a direct result of what we consistently do.
When motivation is high is so much easier to work out, eat well, stay hydrated and get into a good sleep routine.
But there’s a problem, and it’s a big one.
Motivation comes and goes for a variety of reasons so if you only ever rely on motivation to get and stay in shape you are in trouble.
Discipline on the other hand can be consistent, it can be long-term, if you want success, you need it.
Solid, repeatable habits can create and help improve your discipline to the point where you will almost do things on auto-pilot without putting a great deal of thought in it.
Take brushing your teeth for example, I’d like to think you are in the habit of brushing your teeth come what may at least twice per day, usually morning and evening.
I doubt you put much thought or if it’s some type of dilemma whether you should do it, you just do.
It’s part of your everyday routine, it’s a habit.
And the result will speak for themselves.
Now transfer this thought process to meal planning for example, could you make it a habit to spend 5 minutes in the evening to plan your meals for the following day?
The answer is yes.
You could, it would certainly help you make better food choices, and it would likely lead to more consistent weight management.
By planning your meals a day in advance, you can make sure you are eating what you need to, and when you need to.
Not only to manage your weight but also to stabilise your energy levels.
It also would massively reduce the chance of emotional eating, let’s be honest nobody comes home from a shit day at work and thinks “i really want a chicken salad”.
You’re more likely to order a takeaway, feel sorry for yourself and then feel guilty afterwards.
It really doesn’t have to be that way and by changing one small habit it can make a huge difference.
You can also apply new habits to your lifestyle to ensure you drink enough water or get enough sleep, set alarms on your phone as reminders if you need to.
Never forget, we are a result of our average day so choose consistency over perfection and play the long game.
Thanks for reading, have a great day.
Craig
Do you need confidential help with your health, fitness or nutrition? I have a range of services available, with Personal Training in my Private Gym in Manchester, also at your home or workplace in the surrounding areas. For clients further afield, I provide Online Personal Training, Nutritional Consultancy & Private Fitness Holidays.
