With the changes in our life, we have had to make some changes and cutbacks in our spending. We knew this change was coming, so we saved extra money every month. I do think we are good savers, but we are also great spenders. I have found resisting the temptation to purchase things very difficult. One trip to Target or any store and I have to exercise amazing willpower to not buy something I think I need.
This has me thinking a lot about how the desire for change requires WILLPOWER.
Just about everyone, has something they would like to achieve, right? Problem is saying and doing are not the same thing. We must first set a goal and then have the willpower to change ourselves.
A lack of willpower is often what people say is their barrier to making and achieving change. Willpower can be defined as your inner strength to make decisions, delay gratification and follow through. It gives people the strength to overcome temptations.
Whether it is spending, weight loss, or a desire to live healthier we all need willpower. Prior to the holiday season begins and just after is when most of us are in the contemplation stage of change. We are aware of a problem or there is a change we want to make but don’t yet have a plan.
Stages of Change:
- Precontemplation
- Contemplation
- Preparation
- Action
- Maintenance
Preparation: We make a plan, establish a goal… we are prepared to take action!
Action…we modify our behavior or environment to make change. To be successful change should be maintained for 1-6 months.
Maintenance is the key to preventing a relapse. We must continue to exercise our willpower.
I read a great book several years ago that continues to stick with me. It is called, WILLPOWER: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength by Roy Baumeister & John Tierney. It highlights some great points such as:
You must consciously work to strengthen your willpower. Baumeister says, “exerting willpower takes mental energy therefore just like a muscle can become fatigued from overuse. If your mind is too busy thinking about work, travel, clients, kids, etc., how can you have the willpower to obtain your goals when you are already mentally depleted?”
Strengthening your willpower can be done a little at a time. I exercise mine by setting a goal to hold my stomach in every time I drive my car. Being conscious of how my abdominal area feels helps to build my willpower. It’s not a huge objective, but this exercise strengthens my willpower to reach my bigger goals.
When I want to get back on track with healthier eating, I start the day with a smoothie. This means the first food I consume is good for me and sets the pace for the rest of the day.
Here is a list of 10 Healthy Smoothies to get you started on the path to healthier living…
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