Execute!

If you have looked at the forecast for this week, you know it's not great. After a long winter, we are still stuck in the dreariness of early Spring. Weather like this can affect our motivation and make it harder to follow healthy habits. If that sounds like you, here are a few strategies that will help keep you on the right track:

Reduce Friction: When time is short, motivation is low, or you're overwhelmed, making completing your healthy habits as easy as possible is essential. Have gym clothes laid out the night before. Prep several days of food, even dinners, on Sunday, so the easier option is a healthy one. Also, blocking off your schedule for exercise time will make it easier for you to execute.

Add Accountability. Adding a layer of accountability to any healthy habit is a powerful tool for making better choices. Tell a friend you plan to attend an early morning exercise class. Ask your significant other for help managing schedules so you have enough time to exercise or prep food. Make a plan to get to bed at the same time each night and challenge someone close to you to do the same!

Adopt an execution mindset. Procrastination happens to all of us. We are hard-wired to resist anything that we imagine will be uncomfortable in the future. Understanding that these uncomfortable actions can lead to the most significant growth and progression helps overcome these challenging times. When you find yourself waffling about whether or not to do something you know will be helpful for you in the long run, consider thinking about how great it will feel when you are on the other side. Think about how you'll feel proud of getting it done, even though you didn't want to do it. This is powerful as it will build self-confidence, discipline, and resilience, which you'll be able to draw upon in the future.  

Utilize one or more of these strategies to keep making progress toward your health and fitness goals this week. Remember, you don't have to be motivated to make progress; you must take action.