Answer: Myth
So many times, people tell me they can’t “stick” with a healthy lifestyle because they believe they don’t have the willpower or discipline. It’s true: some days it can take a bit of self-control to eat your veggies instead of cookies or chips. But here’s something worth thinking about:
If you get up regularly every morning, have a job, floss your teeth, pay your bills, and do all of the other “adulting” things, you already have discipline and self-control. What it take is thinking about things differently and being excited and committed to the payoffs, such as:
- Feeling better
- Having more energy
- Being more confident
- Feeling happier
- Knowing you can count on yourself to take action
One of the best ways to build that excitement and commitment is to make healthy changes one step at a time, so you don’t get overwhelmed or have to white-knuckle a total lifestyle change. That way you get to feel and see firsthand the payoffs of your actions. Which is one huge factor in turning those habits into something you actually want to do, vs. something you “have” to do.
It also helps you get back on track ASAP if you slip (intentionally or unintentionally) from your new-normal healthy routine. And when you do it long enough, your actions turn into habits which makes them even easier to do.