Don’t go it alone
Do you think Lance Armstrong won 7 Tour De France titles without the guidance of some valuable people by his side? Olympic gold medalist swimmer, Dara Torres enlisted a support team that included a sprint coach, strength and training coach, nutritionist and personal stretchers. Athletes don’t win medals by themselves. They are surrounded by a team of diverse people, filling a specific role to help them train and compete at their best possible level. If you’ve made a New Year’s Resolution to lose weight and get in shape don’t go it alone. People who involve others in their journey see better results. Call it positive peer pressure but if you have friends and family pulling for you and cheering you on, you don’t want to let them down. Best of all, you don’t need a fat wallet to build your own team. Just pick people who will support, motivate and encourage you on your journey.*
The Informant
This is person whom you previously blew off because she brought healthy muffins (Where’s the donuts?) to your office. She rides her bike or walks to work and packs her own lunch (organic, of course). She reads Healthy & Fit on her breaks while you’re thumbing through Good Housekeeping; scanning Paula Deen’s latest butter-laden recipe. Sure, you’re a little envious of her toned body and endless energy but deep down you know she’s nailed the healthy lifestyle and is actually happy about it. Swallow your pride and drum up the courage to ask her share the scoop on healthy eating and exercising. Informants are overflowing with latest health info and can show you how to apply it to your daily lifestyle. Knowledge is power, so do your own homework too by reading up on nutrition and exercise by trusted sources. Maybe you’ll discover something your Informant doesn’t know!<
The Cheerleader
Is there someone in your circle that has an eternal zest for life? Do they have a way of spreading cheer and encouragement to others? Nab that person for your personal cheerleader! The last thing you want is an Eeyore in your life to drag you down when things get tough. Be upfront and honest with this person and ask them to commit to helping you. If they truly have the gift of encouragement, they’ll be delighted to help. Perhaps you’ll want he/she to check in once a week (or more if you’re really struggling). A call, text or email may be all you need to keep you looking on the bright side. Your part is to be willing to ask for help when you hit a snag. Sometimes, that’s no easy task either. Being vulnerable isn’t a comfortable state for most of us but reaching out is better than plunging into a carton of ice cream.
The Goal Keeper
Experts agree that small goals are easier to achieve than setting a lofty goal that will take months to reach. Each time you meet a small goal there is victory and that victory gives you the motivation to continue and meet more small goals. Let’s face it, once you say your goal out loud it’s game on! If you keep it to yourself it will be easy to dismiss it because you’re not accountable to anyone. You don’t want a wishy-washy person for this job. Goal keepers must be willing to keep you focused and on task. No coddling or sugar coating allowed.
Workout Warrior
Did you have a walking buddy in the past or tried working out a gym with a friend but after the first few weeks, they have excuses for not showing up and you’re back at it alone. Discouraged, you quit too. What you need is someone who is highly motivated and good at making working out fun. This person will have to be someone who will challenge you when you come up with lame excuses (it’s too dreary or I have nothing to wear to the gym) for not wanting to exercise. Some of us just need a gentle nudge while others need a good kick in the butt to keep us going. Give yourself some time and think of who can help you feel the specific roles listed here. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to ask. You are the captain of the team. It’s your turn to chose who will help you start your journey to the finish line.
*Always check with your doctor first before starting any diet or exercise program.
by Lisa Marie Metzler.
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