Weight Loss for Women - Man, I Can't Stand Showers But Know That If I Don't Take One, I'll Stink

By Linda Robert

Ha! Ha! Got you thinking hey! I take showers daily, especially when I go to the recreation center every day. I've noticed that during July when the center was closed, I didn't walk as much, I ate more and slipped on my health habits. I realized two things.

That I:

� depended on somebody else or something else to help me meet my physical goals.
� was not truly committed to my physical well being.

One of my biggest challenges was to establish a routine and follow it, while the center was closed. I learned in July that without a routine, I was lost. My emotional, spiritual and physical goals weren't being met and that put me in a bad place. So, if you don't have a routine for whatever reason (unemployment, not enough work, don't feel like having one, kids are moved out etc) you may notice a slight change in your attitude and overall well-being. You have to establish a routine, even if it doesn't start as early as you'd like to at the beginning.

Any time is the perfect time of the year to establish a routine and set goals. It starts in January, when we use the old 'new year's resolution' line. Then in the spring time, we can say that it's part of our new beginning, new buds, new birds, spring fever, new you. We've been taught from a young age that when September arrives every thing goes back to normal or starts again. Summer holidays are over for us and the children and routine starts once again. School is back in full swing, courses at local colleges are being offered, leaves are starting to fall, air is getting crispier, and we're are getting ready for winter.

So pick your start time. When are you going to start your new routine? When will you start your shower and what time will you take it at. And while you're at it, why not think further than the immediate plans; set some short, medium and long-term goals. What better time than now to put some thought into what you'd like to accomplish for the next twelve months. Remember lifestyle changes do not happen until you take one step towards it. It doesn't have to be a giant leap, a frog jump will do, too. And if you know you can't do this on your own, solicit the assistance of someone you know will be supportive to you; a friend, a support group, a coaching group.

In the mean time, think about these questions.

What is my intention? (Write it in a positive way, like you're currently there)

What am I doing now and what am I prepared to do to make my intention happen?

When am I going to initiate this plan? How often am I going to reevaluate this plan?

Who can I talk to that will support my decision and help me reach my goal.

Don't expect a quick fix to change an old habit. This will take time. Use a reward system if you have to at the beginning and when you feel a need. Make the activity fun and enjoyable. Set a timer if need be. For example, I wanted to start writing everyday and walking or biking too. I had a difficult time to get started and to fit it in. Once I finally decided to start writing every day, I would set a timer for one hour. At the end of an hour, (doing great work), I would reward myself with a walk or a bike ride. I also needed to repeat the activity for at least 21 days to try to "starve-off" the stimuli for the old habit that I was trying to break; inactivity. Tell yourself out loud that you're doing great. Yes! One more glass of water down the pipes. Way to go, Linda.. You've done it again... Yahoo!!! I found this very helpful. The little stickers on my mirror helped too. It replaced the "you're a loser" head games that played in my head with new ones.

DO IT, (out loud)... It helps, believe me.

Here's my SHARA plan
S elect when to start: date, time etc. (ex: I will start tomorrow morning)
H abit to begin with (ex: I will start reading an daily affirmation)
A action,, what did you do? (ex: today I read from my daily affirmation)
R results achieved (ex: I felt inspired)
A accomplishment statement (ex: Today I read from my daily affirmation book and felt inspired.)

So how about it? When will you take a shower today? What is truly important to you that needs to be scheduled, in your day or week, or month.

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