Cultivate a Healthy Lifestyle by Planning

A healthy lifestyle is something that happens over time, as an accumulation of efforts, choices and habits that support it.  Expecting things to go well, by being positive, is important; however it is not enough to make good things happen.  We have to have a plan and then hold ourselves accountable to the plan. 

There may be unexpected obstacles that come in our path on our way to carrying out our good plan, but that just means that we can amend the plan, make it workable given the new set of circumstances.  I believe that Plan "A" is great to have, but it is actually Plan "B" that plays out more often. 

One of the obstacles that we all encounter is "magical thinking."  This is rationalizing behavior that includes things like making excuses, underestimating calories or portion sizes or even saying--tomorrow is another day.  Rationalizing behavior gets in the way of our goals.  Instant gratification takes precedence over the big picture.  We often regret the choices that we rationalized, after the fact, when we have a clear moment to think things over. 

One way to get un-stuck is to reflect on your own "magical thinking."  Are there any thoughts that are pure rationalizations that are keeping you from getting what you really want?  Are there any hot spots in your day that frustrate you?  That's where the attention needs to be.  That's also where the opportunity for improvement comes in.  A simple tweak might be all it takes.  For example, instead  of going home after work and then losing your interest in going to the gym, plan on going to the gym directly from work so that it actually happens.  Commit to 20-30 minutes.  If you stay longer, then that's fine.  If not, you held yourself accountable.  That counts.  That feels good.  That feels like a healthy life worth living.