Commit to the Decision. How does this phrase resonate with you? Does it bring up feelings of confidence, determination and tenacity? Or perhaps fear, overwhelm and anxiety? What I want to discuss today is the idea of how committing to the decision can actually help you in making long lasting behavior changes.
A few weeks ago my husband and I were in the Penrose/Brevard area of NC. I was able to get away for a solo hike at Triple Falls in DuPont State Forest. Hiking is such an important part of my life to allow me the time to be immersed in nature, clear my mind and also allow myself to talk out loud. I get to mull over ideas in my head and wait for creativity to awaken. This is the topic that resonated with me during those 2 hours.
When I talk with clients regarding behavior change, I tend to hear statements like, “I need to have willpower.” “I don’t have enough willpower to stop snacking in the evening.” The definition of willpower is: the ability to control one’s own actions, emotions, or urges. I’d like to ask you to think about this idea in a different light. If we truly think about our goals, motivations, and “why’s” of doing things differently, we can commit to the decision vs trying to use willpower or restriction.
For hikers reading this, or walkers, bikers, etc. This analogy may be apparent to you already. Let’s say you wake up on a Saturday and say to yourself, I’m going to go for a hike. Then you’ll get specific about how many miles you’d like to go that day, how far you’d like to travel, how much food and water you need to pack. You get there and start on the trail. You commit to the decision to hike.
When you first start the hike, you’re going at a good pace, taking in all the scenery, fresh air, sunshine. All is well. The trail starts to incline and you start breathing harder. Perhaps you’re focused on the ground, taking it step by step. You start thinking to yourself, wow, I’m not sure I was ready for this today, or yes! this is such a great workout! At any rate, you committed to the decision of hiking that particular trail for the day. Yes, there’s always the option to turn around, but what emotions would that bring up if you did turn back early? Rather, focusing on the journey, knowing that in time, you will complete the trail. You’re going to have some challenges, perhaps some setbacks. It may be smelly, dark and wet. Then the path opens up to the bright blue skies and fresh air, maybe even a waterfall.
How do you feel after you’ve finished your hike? Accomplished, energized, proud? Tired, sore muscles, ready for a good meal? Did you have to focus on willpower to get you through the hike? Maybe you told yourself, “come on, you got this.” This coaching and positive self-talk is absolutely needed and welcomed during those difficult times. Committing to the decision of hiking that trail, no matter how tough it got, is what helped you through.
Commit to a decision that is realistic for you. Are you ready for a 2 mile hike or a 10 miler? Is eating veggies at each meal within your reach right now or is once a day a good target to aim for? Is mindless snacking at night going to move you closer to your goals? What decision do you have to make to make this easier on yourself? What are your whys? How can you implement grocery shopping and meal planning to make your week easier? What decision can you make today?
The journey is not always easy. That’s why setting yourself up for success, taking small steps to move you through, putting one foot in front of the other is how you’re going to find success. That success is going to keep you coming back for more.
How does this resonate with you? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Message me with any questions or to chat further.
