I think in today’s society we think that the path to success must be difficult. That the ONLY way for us to achieve our goals is to go through stress-induced torture and agony doing things we hate and over complicating the process. I can tell you… I am probably one of the biggest offenders of this.
Like most, I tend to get in my own way when it comes to trying to achieve certain goals or complete multiple tasks. This happens not only in my business but also in my personal life as I try and create balance between my faith in God, Family, Business, Health, etc. I blame it on my heritage and having a mix of Irish & Italian while being 100% American! Just plain stubborn and hard headed sometimes.
But realistically, life was meant to be simple, but most people insist on making it complicated. And what we don't understand is that the simpler we can keep things, the more successful we will be.
There's way too much information being thrown at us each day via social media, news, and Internet quick fix health tips. We are trying to do everything that everyone else is doing, rather than simplifying tasks that best fit our needs and lifestyle. At the end of the day, because of how tough it seems, many people decide to give up on their health goals and throw in the towel. The wellness industry is not meant to be a tough world to navigate and with a few tips, health and fitness may become much simpler than it seems.
Why Simplify?
Here are four reasons why you should simplify your health and fitness regimen.
1) Less stress- Your health and fitness regimen should enhance your life. It’s something that should REDUCE STRESS and not increase it.
When you keep things simple you won’t be overwhelmed or stressed out as is common when trying to revolve your life around a rigid diet and complicated routine.
2) Develop habits that stick- If something is simple, you’re more likely to do it consistently, and CONSISTENCY is what develops long-term habits. Long-term habits ensure you achieve and maintain results.
This is the main goal – to make certain habits fit into your lifestyle so they eventually become effortless, or at least so they don’t require much thought.
3) Greater flexibility- A few simple guidelines allow you to accommodate for everyday occurrences. Let’s face it – life is unpredictable and can throw us curve balls, but simplicity allows us to adapt. For example, if you have the goal of eating real, whole foods most of the time, you can indulge in your favorite not-so-healthy treats and meals when a special occasion presents itself.
You’ll also be able to make a good food decision, no matter where you’re eating if your sole goal is to eat mostly real foods.
4) Greater Focus- When you choose to focus on a few BIG things instead of a dozen or more smaller things, you’ll be significantly more focused. That means you’ll get more done.
How to Simplify
1) Begin by changing ONE thing, and one thing only.
Where are you struggling the most in your health and fitness routine? Do you work out consistently but struggling to make better, more consistent nutrition changes? Then make the only change in your current routine be to eat more slowly.
Or maybe you can focus on eating more real, whole foods. Just pick ONE simple thing to focus on, exclusively, for a period of 4-6 weeks. Once you’ve nailed that one thing as a habit, then do one more, SMALL thing.
Are you having trouble sticking to a workout program? If so, why? Is it because your current routine doesn’t fit your schedule or you’re trying to force yourself to work out too often? If so, follow a two days per week or a three day per week program that more easily fits your schedule.
If you are stressed trying to get to the gym more than 1x per week then perhaps you can save time and do body weight workouts at home. Ask your coach at GSFP and they would gladly help you create something productive and time efficient.
Whatever the case may be, find a way to make your routine fit into your life and don’t revolve your life around an unrealistic routine.
2) Ask yourself, “Is this essential?”
There’s a good chance you’re focused on too many small things that don’t have much of an impact on your goals.
Some things may only increase stress or cause you to get too concerned with insignificant details. For example, if you find yourself obsessing over small details like, “Should I eat white or brown rice?” ask yourself, “Is this essential? Is trying to decide between white or brown rice essential to improving my health or reaching my goals?”
The answer, in this case, is “No”.
Focus on the main things that produce the vast majority of the results and forget the rest.
3) Stop searching – start doing.
According to Wikipedia, analysis paralysis is an anti-pattern, the state of over-analyzing (or over-thinking) a situation so that a decision or action is never taken, in effect paralyzing the outcome.
I understand – you want to do the right things. You want to be armed with knowledge, so you go to those other fitness websites or flip through the latest magazine. Perhaps you even read debates and research articles. As a result of consuming so much information, we get too caught up in looking for the next big thing, the best workout program, or waiting until we have all the information before we take action.
The details of nutrition and fitness will always be debated, but most people can agree on a few key principles.
- Eat a variety of mostly real, whole foods
- Drink plenty of water
- Be physically active whether you choose strength training, participate in sports, go on nature walks, bike ride or any combination thereof
- Get enough sleep
- Do things consistently
Take action and do those things consistently, and you’ll be well on your way to improving your health and fitness.
If you’re not achieving the results you want or find yourself constantly searching for the next big thing – simplify. Focus instead on the few things that matter most and experience the benefits for yourself.
If you are so overwhelmed with the thought process of getting fit and staying healthy sit with your coach and re-evaluate your goals. Determine if the goals you have set are reasonable based on your current fitness level and life-style. We can help simplify the process. Don’t make things harder than they need to be. And start with one good habit at a time.
Dave Bolduc