Everyone loves a comeback story. Think Bethany Hamilton the professional surfer who returned to the water after a shark attack or Mohammed Ali’s return to the boxing ring or Thomas Edison’s thousands of attempts at inventing the light bulb. Or, better still…let’s insert your story here!
Have you been trying to lose weight? Get fit? Eat better? But it just seems like you’re not living up to your own expectations. You start to question whether you should even bother. It’s ok, it’s completely normal. We all have setbacks and slumps when trying to achieve a goal. It’s how you approach your comeback that makes all the difference.
A comeback starts with a change. If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you always got. So, obviously you will need to try a different tact. This doesn’t mean huge life change; it means taking micro actions that lead you to where you want to go. Take these 10 steps to making your weight loss set-back a comeback:
1. Own it
You’re at this point for a reason. Time to stop with the excuses and simply recognize where you’re at now and where you want to be. The comeback can’t start until this happens.
2. Feel it
Emotions are your strongest driver to making a comeback. It’s your heart that rules your head in these situations. You need to know your ‘why’ to gain access to your motivation. And if your ‘why’ isn’t strong enough then you’ll probably give up when obstacles arise, and you have a setback or the change becomes too hard.
3. Let it go
The more you focus on something the bigger it gets. This can work both for and against you. So, don’t look for sympathy, look for solutions. If you’ve reached a plateau in your weight loss, mix things up.
4. Open up
One of the biggest factors contributing to *successful* weight loss – meaning you maintain a healthy weight for life – is support. Surround yourself with people who are living your health ideals. Hang out with friends who eat healthily and exercise regularly. More importantly, seek their support by letting them know how you feel and become accountable for your comeback. You will be surprised how many people have felt exactly the same way.
5. Build a foundation
Sustained success – at anything in life – relies on the habits and discipline you’ve built. Habits can be both positive and negative. If you try to build on bad habits that don’t serve you well, you will only ever have limited success as you’re will power and motivation crumble. Try crowding out your bad habits with good ones. Feeling thirsty? Reach for water before soda. Craving sugar? Let yourself feel the craving and distract yourself with movement. Find more tips to beat cravings here.
6. Schedule your comeback
The biggest friction to doing anything is getting started. If it’s a routine that you commit to then this friction is less of a barrier. So, get your diary out now and schedule in exactly when your comeback starts. Make it a reoccurring appointment with yourself to check your progress, upgrade your habits and plant positive thoughts around your success.
7. Silence your inner critic
It is important to remember that our negative thoughts may not be based on reality. Say what?! Yes, they are often an exaggerated, biased and disproportionate reaction, programmed by past experiences and how we perceive things. The good news is that, like any programming, you can rewire your thought patterns. So rather than ignoring your inner critic, recognise your negative thoughts, then challenge them and redirect them with more positive thoughts.
8. Move
Moving your body and elevating your heart rate releases endorphins that will elevate your mood. Go for a brisk walk during your lunch break or dance around your room for 20 minutes and then reassess how you’re going to tackle your comeback.
9. Be THAT person
Got a friend who needs some motivation to get back on track after a relationship break up or a health problem or a loss? Even though you are feeling in need of help, find someone else to help and watch the feel-good benefits flow onto your comeback.
10. Listen to Dr Seuss
You’re off to great places.
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting,
So… get on your way!
Remember, a comeback starts with change
We want to see you succeed AND to maintain that success. Whether you want to lose weight, run a marathon, get that promotion or simply feel fit and healthy the reality is there will be setbacks. That’s life! Having a slump or setback gives you a great picture of where you don’t want to be. In this sense, a setback is a valuable tool to fueling your comeback. If you want another valuable tool – one that is designed by experts for your health success – download the Active8me app today. All of your meals (with recipes), workouts and mindset lessons in one place. It’s like having a personal trainer, dietitian and life coach in your pocket.
