The Mindset Shift That Will Change Your Health Journey

Thought For The Week

When we embark on a new health or fitness kick, a genuine sense of optimism can leave us expecting a lot from ourselves, and from the process. But (and I know you’re well versed in this by now), life can throw unexpected challenges, competing wants and priorities can derail our best efforts, and well frankly, the process isn’t going to be all rainbows and unicorns every step of the way. Expecting 100% all the time can leave us feeling like we're constantly falling short. It’s a mindset that fuels the cycle of self-criticism, making it hard to see and appreciate our efforts and reinforcing the idea that we're not worthy or good enough.

Exercise Tip

Focus on progress, not perfection. Just because you’ve decided to do this thing doesn’t mean that every training session’s going to feel fantastic. If you have a lousy workout, consider the fact you’re still committed to showing up and doing something good for your body. And if you’re definitely not up to training at all, then embrace the idea that it's okay to have an off day. Your body needs time for rest and recovery as much as it needs exercise. Instead of holding yourself to unrealistic standards, be kind to yourself and recognise that you’re still doing your best.

Nutrition Tip

The same goes for when you’re trying to make changes to your nutrition. I often hear clients say they think they’ve ‘failed’ when they’re working on eating well but they’ve succumbed to a burger or a chocolate bar. Aiming for 100% perfect eating is not realistic. Nor is it possible, as everyone’s version of perfect is going to look different in any given circumstance. It’s important that you incorporate the foods you enjoy into your diet, rather than try to eliminate them. A healthier approach would be to learn to manage your eating behaviours and moderate your intake of the foods that don’t align with your bigger, longer-term health goals. If you need a number, shoot for 80%, rather than 100%. (And if you need more help implementing this, drop me an email and we can see if it'd be worth doing some one-to-one work together).

Links & Resources

Resource: If you hold very high standards for yourself and struggle with the downshot of perfectionism, these exercises might help.

Recipe: For a homemade, less processed and potentially 80% healthier alternative to other snack options, try my recipe for chocolate orange energy bites.

Recipe: It's not perfect, but my recipe for slow cooked beef ragù served with pasta and a side salad provides a pretty decent source of post-exercise protein and carbs.

Inspirational Quote

"There is a proper balance between not asking enough of oneself and asking or expecting too much."

May Sarton