Do We Need an "Oh Shit Moment" That Finally Causes Change?
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In our weekly checkin, one of my clients said they were excited to “not be entering the new year with the perpetual resolution to ‘lose weight!’”
First of all, I think this is an incredibly powerful and awesome mindset/resolution shift! A change more towards "real life" and health maintenance than perpetual dieting! What a relief! I'm excited for her to be starting the year differently than in the past! Because of the work we’ve done over the past few months, she’s at a different place, both physically and emotionally, than she’s been at past New Years.
I’m super pumped for her about that.
But, her statement got me thinking…. how many years in a row do you allow yourself to make the same New Year’s Resolution to lose weight?
How many times can we set the same goal before we need to actually make a change and do something different?
My question is: Do we need to have an exact “Oh Shit Moment” of realization that finally forces us to make real changes?
Like the exact moment you realize that you’ve made the same New Year’s Resolution for 8 straight years and you haven’t achieved it yet.
Or like a few weeks ago I shared an “Oh Shit Moment” that caused me to start tracking my food again.
Or when you’re playing with your kids and get so winded and can’t keep up.
Those moments can hit you hard. Hard enough to cause you to finally make changes.
Do they need to happen?
Let’s explore.
On the one hand, these moments can be powerful catalysts for change. They often serve as wake-up calls, forcing us to confront the reality of our habits and prompting a reevaluation of our goals or strategies.
On the other hand, some people may not experience such dramatic moments, and may not need to, in order to make changes. Change is a gradual process, and sometimes it doesn't require a single, impactful event. It can be a series of small realizations or a growing awareness of the need for improvement.
In the grand scheme of things, if we find ourselves waiting for a watershed moment that might mean missing out on the small victories and daily joys that contribute to lasting change. The journey towards a healthier lifestyle is a mosaic of choices, each piece shaping the larger picture of well-being.
So, I ask once again, do we need an "Oh Shit Moment" to initiate change?
Not necessarily.
What's more crucial is the recognition that every decision, no matter how small, has an impact. It's about acknowledging the power of the everyday choices we make, from the foods we enjoy to the activities that bring us fulfillment.
Consider this: the journey towards health is not a straight line and doesn’t have to start at one single moment. It's okay to reassess and readjust without waiting for a seismic event. Reflecting on my client's progress, it's evident that the consistent effort she's invested in understanding her body and making mindful choices has propelled her into a positive mindset for the upcoming year.
I imagine we can also redefine New Year's resolutions. Instead of grand declarations that often fizzle out by February, let's focus on cultivating habits that stand the test of time. Small, sustainable changes can lead to profound results.
Imagine a year where your resolution isn't a Herculean task but a series of manageable, enjoyable steps towards your goals. It's about finding joy in the process, appreciating the journey, and celebrating the victories along the way.
In conclusion, while "Oh Shit Moments" can be powerful motivators—and if you experience one, let it lead you!—they shouldn't be the sole drivers of change and we shouldn’t wait around for them to happen! Instead, let's embrace the idea that every moment is an opportunity to make a positive choice, and each choice contributes to a where you’re going.
Regardless of if you’ve experienced one of those moments, or simply decide to commit to change, if you need support with your food or reaching body composition goals, I’m here for you and would love to chat! Please reach out!
I also want to know what you think! Do you need a moment? Or, can you simply decide to change and actually do it? Please share in the comments or send me an email at sara@nutritionforlifeproject.com and share your thoughts!
As always, thank you for reading!
xoxo,
Sara