Is there an important change you’ve been trying to make but need a little extra help to accomplish? We’ve got a solution that will make all the difference: Be mindful and live in the present moment!
The idea is actually pretty simple, but it involves you changing the way you think. You don’t have to spend time meditating (although that does help some people to live in the moment), but you’re more likely to be successful if you focus on creating healthful habits practiced each day around your desires instead of obsessing on a single goal that you can only have in the distant future. Over time, a mindfulness practice and shift in thinking will lead to lasting change.
How? Do it by breaking down larger goals into manageable, daily habits and attitude changes. Start by taking a break from your daily routine and the stream of thoughts in your head. Now imagine that you are already the person that you want to be, and decide to act like that person in this moment.
By taking small steps every day, you are more likely to enjoy the process. You also won’t get easily discouraged, which is the foundation for change and long-term success. Weight loss and increased fitness are common goals for most people, so here are a few tips about how this approach will help you accomplish your plan.
Let’s say you want to drop 20 pounds. You’re setting yourself up for failure if your approach is to anxiously monitor every bite you eat, feel guilty about not having enough time to workout, and beat yourself up about being heavier than you’d like. Let go of your anxiety. Instead, try thinking of yourself as a person who is active everyday and eats healthy foods – then act that way.
Here’s an example of how this works. Worried you’ll fail because you don’t have time to hit the gym? It’s not time to give up. Don’t get frustrated with yourself! Instead, decide to take a walk at lunch or offer to walk the family dog in the morning.
Or maybe you find yourself crashed out and munching in front of the television after work. It might seem easy do, but you’ve decided you’re not that person. You’re going to lick the salt off your fingers, put the bag down and go find someone to talk to. You know you weren’t really hungry; you were just bored. This also doesn’t mean you have to polish off every snack in the house and start again tomorrow.
Moreover, you’re going to start savoring your meals. Healthy people don’t scarf down a whole bag of chips without tasting them. Think about whether or not you want the chips. Then if you do, just go for it. But eat them slowly, and really enjoy them. Stop when you’ve had enough. The chips will still be there later and you can eat them – just less of them.
Then find an activity you love. Fit people do things. Decide you’re going to do something fun and active every day. Maybe one day that’s walking. Another day it’s going to the Murray Park Center and working out with a friend. Maybe you’ll choose to play a sport. Whatever it is, commit to do something small everyday, because you’re building a habit and creating a new identity.
The takeaway message here is that in order to be successful, you need to stop worrying about the results and start thinking about the process. Live in the present, and love the changes you’re making right this moment. Enjoy the steps along the way. One day you’ll find you’ve made a lasting change!