You know you should kick your smoking habit or get rid of that spare tire once and for all, but it can be difficult to get motivated to actually do something about the problem. (As opposed to just thinking about it!) Fortunately, that's all about to change now that you've signed on for Flare's first-ever motivational boot camp—a four-week programme for kick-starting your attitude and tackling the ultimate home-improvement project, yourself!
Week One: Calling all Recruits!
The first week of motivational boot camp is all about getting psyched for what lies ahead. But first you need to answer pass the boot camp entrance exam.
Is this the right time for you to be here? While there’s no perfect time to tackle a lifestyle change, some times are definitely better than others. If you’re in the midst of changing jobs, finishing your master’s thesis, and/or giving your guy his walking papers, you might not have the energy to devote to a heavy-duty self-improvement project. On the other hand, if you happen to come from a long line of Pollyanna types who positively thrive in the face of adversity, you may find it easier to weather the bad times if you have something else to focus your energies on. (Hey, to each her own!)
Are you biting off more than you can chew? “Some people are inspired by big goals,” says Minnesota life coach Christine D’Amico. “Others find them completely overwhelming.” If you’re the kind of gal who gets totally freaked at the thought of having to give up cigarettes cold turkey, set yourself a smaller goal—perhaps giving up your pre-bedtime cigarette for the next week. Then, once you’ve proven to yourself that you can do without that one, figure out which cigarette you would like to try to eliminate from your daily routine next. Repeat until there are no cigarettes left in your schedule and/or the pack.
Are you doing this for yourself or someone else? While it’s tempting to quit smoking or lose weight to please someone else, your odds of sticking with lifestyle changes over the long-run for that reason are pretty much slim to none. “There’s only one person you should be making changes for,” insists New Brunswick lifestyle coach Susan Cantwell. “That person is you.”
Week Two: Basic Training
The focus of week two is on basic training—learning what it’s going to take to make your lifestyle changes stick. Here’s your action plan for the week.
Get ready to rewrite history. Before you take the plunge and embark on a new lifestyle modification programme, spend some time thinking about what has—and hasn’t—worked for you in the past. Then come up with some strategies for avoiding those same roadbumps this time around and put your new gameplan in writing. “Writing things down helps people to hold themselves accountable,” explains Cantwell. “That’s why I have my clients record their workout plans in their Daytimers in pen!”
Come up with a benefits package. Instead of promising yourself one big reward as you cross the finish line, keep your motivation level high by treating yourself to a series of smaller rewards along the way, suggests London, Ontario, registered dietitian Christine Message. Some possible rewards might include a fresh shade of lipstick to show off your newly smoke-free smile or a nylon water bottle carrier to ensure that you remain well hydrated when you’re working out at the gym.
Put your support team in place. Everyone needs a cheerleading section, whether the rah-rah squad is made up of family members, friends, or a paid professional such as a personal trainer, life coach, or dietitian. If you’re relying on family members and friends to cheer you on, be sure to let them know how they can help—e.g., sending you encouraging e-mails, accompanying you on your after-dinner walk around the block, and/or helping you to ensure that your house remains a smoke-free (or chocolate-free!) zone. “You have to be really explicit about what you need from them,” stresses Leona Brandwene of Gain Back Your Life, Inc., a Delaware-based weight loss coaching firm. “Don’t expect them to read your mind!”
