Now that you've tuned in to what feels off, let’s talk about where you are heading.⠀
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Too often, we have this whole concept of goal setting backwards. How many of you have desperately wanted something - a particular job, a new piece of clothing… only to find out later that it was not what you expected? We are too busy focusing on very specific, short term goals, without even knowing if they will bring us what we truly want. ⠀
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Goals are very specific things that we can check off of a list. With most goals, we either win or lose, which often leads to misplaced beliefs about our lack of willpower or commitment. Values, on the other hand, are aspects that we nurture. Values are things we can choose to embrace any minute, and yet are also ever evolving and growing. There is no finish line when it comes to values, only practice. ⠀
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This might seem a little intense when it comes to health. But, when you can identify your values, and keep those in mind, suddenly making small choices becomes easier. If you don’t know where you are going, the daily decisions in between can become overwhelming, distracting, and often defeating. ⠀
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So, instead of thinking about what you want right now, I wonder what it would feel like to first figure out what you value. Think of this as starting at the end and working backwards. ⠀
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Then, with those values in mind, re-evaluate your short term goals….Maybe counting calories helps you stay on track but is too hard on your mental health. Maybe you are waking up early to work out but it’s draining the only energy you have to give to your family later in the day. Maybe your low carb diet is affecting your once healthy sex life, or maybe you value time with friends or family but can’t seem to do that while following a certain meal plan. Maybe your short term version of success does not align with your ultimate values, but you never even thought of it through that lens. ⠀
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There are so many different pathways to health. But the one that will work for you in the long term is the one that aligns with your values. ⠀
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Reach out if you are ready to think about how to more closely align your health goals with your values 👌