Behavior First
Have you ever heard the saying, "fake it until you make it"?
While it may sound overused, the message behind it is sound. Too often, we think that if we just want something hard enough, if we're just motivated enough, if we read the right books and listen to the right podcasts, then a switch will flip somewhere inside us and turn us into who we want to be.
Unfortunately, it just doesn't work that way.
We can read all the self-help books we want, research the latest and greatest theories, but none of it matters if we don't take action. Until a habit is built of consistent exercise/nutrition/work/etc., we won't be able to have success. That's where the "fake it" part comes in.
When starting something big and new, there's often doubt. Especially in health and wellness, there's many questions that come up. "Am I doing the right thing?" "Will this even work?" "How long until I am who I want to be?" Many of those problems can't be solved in a week, a month, or even longer sometimes. But, in today's world of quick-fixes and automatic results, that can be discouraging for a lot of people. And when those results don't automatically show, motivation and belief falter. This is where most people fall off-track. The problem is, they relied on motivation instead of action.
The only way to build a habit and see success is to consistently perform the same task time and time again. On average, actions take around 2 months to become a habit. In that time, you'll be facing a lot of questions and doubt. By depending on motivation, you're also leaving yourself open to days/weeks of not feeling well, lacking drive, or a busy schedule. However, if you depend on your behavior instead of your feelings, these will affect you far less.
Muscles don't need belief to grow. Fat doesn't need motivation to burn away. What they do need is consistent stimulus over time. Belief certainly helps, but it isn't necessary. That's why the most important thing you can do is...something. Just do anything. Build some form of exercise into your routine. Make it a part of your schedule that doesn't go away. Even though you won't feel like doing it some days, or something might come up to serve as a roadblock, find a way to get it in. Over time, this exercise will become as much of a habit as brushing your teeth. Then, when you've built that habit and consistently performed, that's where the belief comes in. Falling back on that stack of proof that you've been consistent, worked hard, and stuck with it goes a long way towards continued success.
The problem that some run into is that, even with focusing on behavior instead of motivation, it's difficult to do it on your own. Here at Northstar, we make sure that we hold you accountable. Not in a way that makes you feel bad about missing a workout or a day of nutrition, but instead we're there to cheer you on in your success and help guide you back when you fall off track. If this sounds like something you are in need of, fill out the request for a complimentary introductory session and consultation!
