Finally See Progress Using Small Steps
/So tell me… how is that progress coming along? Did you stop and take inventory of where you are to begin like we talked about two weeks ago? Or did you think,
“Yeah Erin, that’s a great idea,” then promptly go on with your day?
If that was you, you’re not alone
In fact, the reason I’m writing this to you now is because that’s the exact pattern I slip into if I’m not careful.
I love, Love, LOVE leaning. Seriously. I listen to multiple podcasts weekly on all sorts of topics from hormones, to parenting, to business, to the Enneagram, to literally every single thing in the health spectrum you could imagine. I love reading books on those topics as well. Actually, I have a whole section of my blog dedicated to pointing out some of my favorite podcast episodes and book review here, if you’re interested.
I love going to conferences, seminars, and talking with other health coaches and business owners about what is working (or not working) for their clients and in their businesses.
And I get inspired about all the things I want to accomplish, and all the amazing things I want to do, and then… I do nothing
Yup. Guilty.
It’s like I freeze. Like there are so many ideas and projects and things and they are all so good, but where do I start? Which project should I start first? And where should I start with that project?
Either that, or I try to take on too much at the same time. It’s all going to be beneficial in the long run, right? Help more people. Help me become a healthier and better parent, wife, and friend. Help my business grow so we can be more financially able to do the other things that are on our/my wish list.
As my future brother in law would say, “It’s a trap.” And it is!
Sound familiar?
So first things first. Before we go any further, I want you to take a honest look at any goals you set for this year. Then, I want you to go back to my last post and take whatever is the appropriate step for the goal(s) you set.
Go ahead. I’ll wait.
Do you need to stop and take inventory of where you’re at or are you ready to start with your first small step? If so, what is that step? Is it adding in 1-2 workouts a week, adding 8oz of water a day, or moving your bedtime up 15 minutes?
Next, if you DID choose a goal:
WHEN and HOW are you going to accomplish that small step? Take the time to schedule and plan your workouts. That’s right, schedule AND plan. Know what you’re going to do.
For a workout goal
Take a class, schedule a session with a trainer in person or online, download my free workout template, or just write down what workout you’re going to do and when you’re going to do it.
For a Nutrition Goal
Add 8oz of water before your morning coffee (I bet you drink that water quickly!). Have a pretty water bottle on your nightstand and start drinking first thing in the morning, and keep that water bottle close by. Maybe you need to go out and buy a water bottle that you like and like to carry around. It may sound crazy, but from personal and client experience having a water bottle you like can make a huge difference (I even know people who like coordinating with their outfits. If that’s what works, perfect!) OR start adding a veggie with a specific meal. Maybe it’s wilted spinach with your eggs in the morning, or a small side salad with lunch or dinner. Or maybe you go out and buy a veggie tray so that you have a variety of prepared veggies that you can add to your lunch every day.
For a Sleep Goal
Set a “wind-down” alarm on your phone. If you have an iPhone, it has a setting built into the phone that you can do just that, and even if your phone doesn’t, you can set a recurring alarm. Give yourself enough time so that when the alarm goes off you can finish what you are doing then get ready for bed. However, don’t give yourself SO much time that you ignore the alarm. Another idea? Put a timer on the lights/device (TV? Internet?) that sucks your time at night so that it goes off at a certain time. Yes, this is more drastic, but you know yourself. Are you going to listen to the alarm on your phone, or do you need a little more, ummm… support?
Of course, these are just a few examples for just a few goals. And your goal(s) could be one of a million other things.
Or, like me, you can easily get yourself overwhelmed because you have SO MANY GOALS and things you want to do.
Too Many Goals?
If that’s the case, it’s time for a braindump. I talked about a braindump in my blog Overcome Overwhelm a couple of years ago. Basically, the idea is that you give yourself 30 minutes or so (more or less depending on how many to-do items are in your brain… I always need at LEAST 30 minutes), grab a notebook and a pen, and just start writing everything that’s in your head. Everything.
Everything from scheduling a doctor appointment, to cleaning the bathroom to improving your nutrition, to starting a workout plan, to planning your daughter’s 3rd birthday party, to figuring out how to reorganize your recipes.
I mean everything. Once it’s out of your head, it’s so much easier to filter through.
I’ve been doing braindumps on and off for several years, but over the last couple months I’ve started doing them differently, and let me tell you, it’s been (dare I say it) life changing. I’ve been able to accomplish two or three times more projects that have been on my “to-do” list in the last couple months WHILE pregnant, exhausted, and chasing a two-and-half year old then I have in the past.
I’ll be sharing my personal method with you over the next couple months, but I don’t want you to wait until I do to get started moving towards all the amazing things you want do in your life.
So get started.
Do the braindump. Or the inventory. Or pick a small step. As Princess Anna would say, “make the choice and do the next right thing.” For you, that is.
Of course, if you need help with any of this, I’m only a click away. You can ask a question, or sign up for coaching or personal training.
You can do this. I know you can. I believe in you.
BONUS RESOURCES
Workout Template
Favorite Podcasts and Book Reviews
Work with Me: Online Training
Drink Water, Lose Weight, Look Younger
Overcome Overwhelm