Dealing With Life’s Little Ups and Downs

Are you making a health-related change? Get ready for a roller coaster ride as you move toward better health. Health experts have studied how people change behaviors and what helps them succeed. These experts have found that most people slip back into old patterns as they try to change habits. This includes even the people who successfully replace unhealthy behaviors with healthy new habits. And it doesn’t matter which behavior you are trying to change. It could be quitting smoking, losing weight, quitting drinking or coping with mental health issues in a healthier way. It’s important to expect — and plan for — hitches along the way.

Know the Difference

The difference between setback and failure relates to your awareness of where you are on your journey toward wellness. For example, are you serious about taking action? Or are you still deciding whether change is what you want? It also matters whether and how you plan for change. The more detailed and realistic your plan, the better your chance for success.

Those who focus only on their ultimate goal tend to get discouraged when they don’t achieve perfection. They may blame themselves and give up rather than recognizing and feeling proud of small successes along the way. The key is to use those accomplishments to build confidence and stay — or get back — on course.

Make a Plan You Can Stick With

If you are starting the process of making a change for better health, congratulations! First, pat yourself on the back. Then give yourself the best chance at success. Craft a clear action plan and set achievable goals along the way. Put them in writing. Enlist the help of experts such as your healthcare team and perhaps a support group of people facing the same issues.

If you have tried to make this change before, reflect on what worked well and what didn’t. What times of day is it most difficult for you to maintain your new lifestyle? What can you do to replace old routines with new ones? By striving for one big goal (such as quit smoking forever), if you lapse once, you have already failed. Instead, set smaller goals and mark progress along the way (“I have not smoked for five days. In just two more days, I will have not smoked for one week!”). If you need inspiration, take a few minutes to review the benefits of a healthier you.

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