Reading the paper can be a tiresome experience. Sensationalist headlines, along with doom and gloom, can be a little draining when we’re trying to stay happy and ahead of the curve.

Given this, it was with great pleasure that I saw the story of Lisa Press pop up in my news feed.

Weight loss, and by that I mean meaningful and long term, can be a difficult process. It doesn’t take us all that long to fall out of good, and into bad, habits. Eating that extra treat or special thing can quickly become the norm, and before we know it, we’ve piled on the pounds and are feeling very sorry for ourselves because of it.

Now, this isn’t just supposition. This is something I’ve struggled with most of my adult life. Yo-yo weight gain/loss, get fit fast/lose fat quick ideas were ten a penny. Owning a gym if anything made it worse. Long hours focused on the success of others can often create the pitfall of forgetting to look after yourself.

Lisa, a nurse from Christchurch, and her story appear no different. A focus on others took hers away from herself. Thankfully, Lisa was able to make a concerted, long term effort to get herself back in shape.

How Can I Do The Same?

Here are a few handy tips about how you can get back on the road to a happier you:

START

The greatest hindrance to making a change is waiting until the time is right. There is never a right time, so just Start already! Remember, you are only ever a mouthful away from your next healthy meal.

SHARE

Sharing a goal or idea with someone supportive is a great way of spurring yourself on to success. A note here though: be careful who you share your goals with, as not all your friends will be supportive.

S.M.A.R.T

If you’re not sure if you’re goals are accurate enough, try applying the S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely) process to each one. You’ll get a much clearer picture of how well defined your goals are.

SUSTAIN

Secondly only in difficulty to starting, sustaining your progress can be tough. A study at Virginia University found four main motivations to focus on:

Possible futures – Thinking how I’ll benefit the future if I hit my goal

Possible selves – How will I benefit those around me if I hit my goal

Near-term gratifications – How will I feel getting a compliment from trimming off a little fat

Task interest – Sharing with others how I got where I am now Use these to keep a check on where you are, how you are going, and where you would like to be.

SALUTE

Give yourself a pat on the back. It’s all too easy to put off celebrating yourself when you are busy or responsible for others. Celebrating your victories, however large or small, is one of the best ways to keep momentum up. Go out for a special evening with a loved one, treat yourself to something new, or maybe just talk to your coach or close friends.

We hope you find this useful.

To find out more about how we can help you achieve your goals, click here to book a time to talk to an expert