We all experienced 2020.
By no means was it the same for everyone.

For many, the 1st anniversary of a pandemic sweeping through our world, our states, our towns, and our homes, will come with much to process. We may even be surprised at how difficult March 2021 may feel.

Maybe you are feeling a stirring to get moving again after some legitimate time away. Or, maybe you simply want to get started for the first time.

Let’s address both.

Gently.

Here are the first thoughts that seem to go through my client’s heads when they decide the game is back on:

“I should join a gym.”
“I should start running.”
“I should take a class.”
“I should use that video I purchased the last time I started.”
“I should, I should, I should . . . “

Stop “shoulding” on yourself.

Before even considering what you should do, let’s unwrap your need by asking a few questions.

WHY?

We just spent a year in a holding pattern. Huge events were canceled or held via video conference. Calendars were forcibly emptied. For many, these short-term experiences and celebrations once served as temporary inspirations for embracing healthy habits. Now, without occasions for which one would feel motivated to “hit the gym” or “give up sugar” plus the addition of the 2020 dumpster fire, motivation waned.

The Coach in me was oddly glad to see this – for long-term behaviors will always outlive short-term solutions.

Stuck at home, we had to face our behaviors 24/7. And while we all needed a hiatus as we wrestled with living through a pandemic, some are now ready to get moving. In doing so, I hope our REASONS for the behavior changes we desire are rooted in more than attending a High School Reunion or Cousin Josh’s wedding.

Determine your “Why”

  • How will I feel when I reach the goal?
  • Who else will it affect?
  • What impact will this have on others in my life?
  • What are the implications down the road, if I shelve this commitment yet another time? 

Often, the WHY should be emotional and downright ugly, prompting an honest motivation for change.

WHAT?

Now is the time to DO WHAT YOU LOVE, rather than believing you need to embrace an activity in which you have no interest – just to get fit. You don’t need what SHE does. Or what HE does, or even what I do!

Determine your “What”

  • What has worked for me in the past?
  • What has gotten me results? What hasn’t?
  • What do I enjoy? What do I absolutely hate?
  • Do I like to dance? Lift weights? Boot Camp workouts? Kick-boxing?
  • What can I see myself embracing, and what styles do I just want to run away from kicking and screaming? 

The WHAT should fit your likes/dislikes.

WHEN & WHERE? 

Don’t simply jump into what everyone else seems to be doing, without first reflecting on your personal schedule. There is a lot of variables to consider – COVID protocols included.

Determine your “Where & When”

  • How much time do I have to exercise every day?
  • Do I have time to drive, park, and workout without creating a chaotic schedule?
  • If only allotting 30 minutes, is a gym really going to work for my schedule?
  • Do I need to be surrounded by others? Or can I workout alone?
  • If working out at home – same question. Do I prefer live group workouts? Or would streaming be ok?
  • Do I need childcare?  

The WHEN & WHERE shouldn’t be a scheduling nightmare.

It’s simply not enough to admit, “I need to get healthy”, and then listen to me rattle off a list of ways to do so. Taking the time to discover your WHY, WHAT, and WHEN & WHERE will ultimately be the foundation for a long-term change.

Need help answering these questions? Ask those who are farther along on the journey. Don’t be afraid to ask those who have been successful. And, feel free to ask me here! I’d be glad to brainstorm with you.