Athletes recruit the services of a coach for months and years at a time to improve fitness, prepare for competitions, and guide them in their athletic pursuits.
But when it comes to many other health services, there seems to be this notion that it’s all a quick-fix-one-stop-shop. As if you simply buy the health service, you get told what to do, and BAM, you are good to go. Off with ya, my lad and lass, and be lively!
Not to break hearts or call out anyone here, but nutrition and the many ways it impacts mental, emotional, and physical health (and athletic performance) is rarely a quick fix to go order. It is, in the majority of cases, similar to hiring a trainer or other coach: an investment of time and resources. And there are trials, progress, setbacks, and refinements along the way. The growth process is a continuum and there must be commitment to achieve that growth.
We don’t (properly) train for an ultra race, an Ironman, or marathon in 30 days. And we certainly do not transform health, habits, and routines in 30 days either.
Granted, we are capable of making change in our approach to food and nutrition fairly quickly. We can cut out that food, start buying more of this food, add more or less of XYZ to the breakfast bowl, and drink one more glass of water to achieve the daily hydration goal. There are indeed changes that can be made quickly with the so-called flip of the switch.
It’s similar to breaking in the new running shoes, trying out the bike trainer, and starting up new classes at the gym. We have begun the process of moving in the direction to support our fitness goals, but it takes a whole heck of a lot more than these single steps to make an impact.
So as our January New Year gusto wears off and we realize the Diet du Jour, the 14-day New You Challenge, the nutrition resource book, and the online jump start program may have had a temporary influence on our thoughts and choices, we have to dig much deeper and address the foundational systems to achieve sustainable and meaningful change.
The flip of the switch simply can’t be trusted to ensure long haul progress for our health and longevity. When you’re ready to commit (or recommit) to your health, we’re here to help and to support your process.
Thanks for reading,
-Dina
“The purpose of setting goals is to win the game. The purpose of building systems is to continue playing the game. True long-term thinking is goal-less thinking. It’s not about any single accomplishment. It is about the cycle of endless refinement and continuous improvement. Ultimately, it is your commitment to the process that will determine your progress.”