In Talane Miedaner's excellent book
Coach Yourself To Success she shares the story of a client who found herself stuck regarding getting fit. She didn't have time to work out, and she didn't have opportunities to engage in fitness creating activities--or so she thought.
Beth, the client in the story, wanted to get fit and eliminate some of the body padding she'd accumulated--about 25 pounds worth, she reckoned. Diets never seemed to work for her either.
What Beth did, was to make one little change at a time, and keep on until she reached the level of fitness and physical appearance she wanted. The first change she made was to add a simple breakfast of instant oatmeal, a banana, and green tea. She ate this at her desk at work instead of the usual donut and coffee.
Next, after that small change, she decided to walk to work each day. This was an hour long walk, but took only twenty minutes more than if she rode public transportation. So, her hour of exercise only cost her an extra twenty minutes of time each day.
The next small step was to improve her lunch by eating salads and vegetables enhanced with a high protein, low fat addition like tuna or chicken.
After that was an established practice, Beth decided to jog around Central Park's reservoir on weekends.
Then, she upgraded her dinner menu to eliminate fatty fast food in preference to low fat, vegetable rich dishes.
Finally, with much progress toward the fitness level she desired, she decided to walk home from work too.
This was all that was needed for Beth to complete her goal and reach the shape and condition she'd been hoping for back when she felt overwhelmed by the thought of having to find time to devote to getting fit.
It is tempting to believe that one needs to hire a trainer, go to a gym for regular workouts, or devote hours a day to a formal exercise program and adhere to a strict dietary regimen. And to jump in full force, start it all at once, and bravely soldier on.
But, it's not necessary at all. Start small, make the easiest and smallest change. Make it easy, innovate, and then when you've made that an easily accomplished part of your day or week, add another small piece of change. Always make the bite small enough to fit the mouth of the present.
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