Have you ever noticed that exercising and living a healthy lifestyle seem to come easily to some people, while others (like maybe you) struggle with on-and-off programs?
What if there were a key to change that dynamic? Well, it just so happens that it is having the right mindset that makes the difference between success and failure. If you are someone who dislikes exercise and eating healthy it will be challenging for you to maintain fitness habits with any regularity.
People who are committed to making healthy living a part of their of life don’t view food and exercise the same way as an overweight or unhealthy person. In Scripture, there is a proverb that states, “As a person thinks in their heart (or mind), so are they.” This highlights the fact that who we are and what we do, has a lot to do with our mindsets. With that thought in view, let's consider…
Five habits to help you develop a fitness mindset:
- Make healthy choices. Begin to make choices based on the fit person you would like to be, and not necessarily your current fitness level. This does not mean that you will, for example, start out attempting to run five miles while you struggle to walk one mile. But it does mean embracing a commitment to the level of fitness you want to achieve.
- The eating habits and frequency of physical activity of a fit person are vastly different from an unfit person. Start making choices that you think a fit person would make.
- As someone once said, “You are what you repeatedly do.” Consistently making healthier choices changes how you identify yourself, and your mindset about your health and fitness.
- The eating habits and frequency of physical activity of a fit person are vastly different from an unfit person. Start making choices that you think a fit person would make.
- Shop smart. This is a big step, especially if you’re accustomed to your favorite treats. But remember, having the right mindset is critical to success. Ask yourself, “Would a fit person focus on getting the potato chips and cookies, or would they want to make sure they had plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables?”
It’s important to make a list of everything you plan to buy before heading to the grocery store. Review your list and make sure you’re only making healthy choices. Be honest with yourself, and remove any items that aren’t healthy and replace them with healthier options.
- Try to avoid shopping when you’re hungry. This can be a pitfall. Grocery shopping while hungry can be a temptation to buy unhealthy treats to satisfy your immediate hunger. You can avoid this by not going to the grocery store when your top priority is eating something soon.
- Try to avoid shopping when you’re hungry. This can be a pitfall. Grocery shopping while hungry can be a temptation to buy unhealthy treats to satisfy your immediate hunger. You can avoid this by not going to the grocery store when your top priority is eating something soon.
- Make exercise a scheduled activity. Fit people don’t leave their exercise time to chance, but to choice, by having a regularly scheduled time. Plan out your week and decide when and where you’re going to work out. Schedule 30-minute slots, 3 to 6 times a week to exercise. If that seems too intense starting, you can try 15 to 20 time periods 3 to 5 times a week, and work your way up.
- Make quality sleep a priority. Without proper sleep, it will be very difficult to develop the mental and physical resilience you need to achieve the level of fitness that you desire to have. Getting consistent quality sleep helps your mind and body recover and regenerate.
- Feed your mind with good health-affirming information. Your mind (and body) is built upon what you feed it. If you want to have a fitness mindset that leads to sustained health and wellness you should digest articles, books, and media that encourage and inspire you to achieve consistent improvements in your level of fitness.
Henry Ford, founder of the Ford Motor Company, once said, “Whether you think you can, or think you can’t—you’re right.” This statement underscores the importance of having the right mindset for achieving success in any area of life. Possessing a mindset that supports your goals is a critical part of becoming a healthier person. Consistently practice these five habits, and you will develop a fitness mindset.
Photo by: Yui Nakamora