Do you want to make lifestyle changes but feel you don’t have the energy or time to do so? Have you tried so many times in the past that it seems impossible to do? The good news is, 
that no matter how many times you’ve failed in the past, you can change, and change for good!
Using the power within you to change
If you have ever tried to add regular exercise to your lifestyle, eat healthier, quit smoking, and so on, you understand that it takes effort to change one’s lifestyle, exercise regularly, and change eating habits. You have the internal strength to do so, however, that power gets wasted on things it shouldn’t or aren’t supportive to your intended purpose. An example of this would be coping with family stress with a 5-candy bar binge most days of the week when you’re trying to lose weight.
You tend to give away power when you:
- feel stuck
- have poor boundaries
- don’t express yourself regularly; be upfront about what you need from yourself, exercise, others
- react to life versus consciously respond
- give into critical, self-blaming thoughts in your head
- feel unhappy or let frivolous things zap your happiness
- feel it’s too late to fulfill your life’s purpose, don’t have a purpose, or just “making it” through life
So, how can you reclaim your power?
- Know who you are. Know your personal strengths and values (what’s truly important to you in life); what you need to get and stay healthy and whole; what your boundaries are; and where you are going in life (vision). These are the leadership, resources, and road map you will use while making lifestyle changes.
2. Take care of yourself, so that you can take care of those you love. Think about an airplane in trouble. Who is instructed to “breathe into the mask” first?
3. Express yourself regularly. Be assertive, set boundaries, say what you need from your family, co-workers, etc…
4. Forgiveness is important. Read this helpful article on forgiveness.
5. Let go of un-supportive, toxic relationships. I tend to avoid people who try to “fix” me because I don ‘t believe that I’m broken.
6. Understand that you can’t make everyone happy. Care about yourself enough to make yourself happy, followed by close, adored loved ones. Don’t spread yourself too thin; be watchful of constantly giving to people who don’t return the favor.
Summary
You have the internal power to change, but be discriminating about when you choose to use it. Refrain from wasting it on anything that doesn’t support a healthier lifestyle, life happiness, and self-care. Personal power is precious; treat it as such.
If I can help you in any way, please feel free to contact me, or sign up for email updates if you want more tips like the ones above!
