A Flexible Mindset
The path to making lifestyle changes is rarely a straight one. No matter how much you set goals and plan ahead, a challenge will come your way at some point. These disruptions are inevitable. Many things can interrupt even the best laid plans—maybe you have a sick child, a late workday, unexpected traffic… What happens when your planned workout session or grocery shopping gets disrupted?
The key is being prepared. When you know something might happen, it’s easier to quickly shift and let go of the negative emotions (frustration, guilt, disappointment, etc.) that often come with disruptions. Then your mind is free to focus on finding other options to help you stay on track, even if that looks different than you’d planned.
Practicing a Flexible Mindset
Some habits are simple enough (like brushing your teeth before bed) that disruptions don’t really come into play. But when it comes to complex behaviors such as maintaining an exercise routine or eating nutritious meals, being flexible matters.
A flexible mindset means you’re able to adapt to disruptions and use them as opportunities to “flex.” Practice a flexible mindset with the following tips:
- As you create your plans, know that disruptions will happen.
- When a disruption occurs, pause.
- Acknowledge any negative emotions and shift your mindset.
- Think about your options.
- Take action and appreciate what you did.
When things don’t go as planned, ask yourself:
- What options do I have?
- What could I do instead?
- Where could I go instead?
- When could I do something if I can’t do it when originally planned?
- What else could I use instead of ? (e.g., if you were missing an ingredient for a planned meal)
- What emotions am I feeling that I can let go of?
- How could I build more flexibility into my goals and plans?
A Flexible Mindset in Action
Juan’s goal is to fit more strength training into his fitness routine. He goes to the gym and takes a group strength class every Monday, Wednesday and Friday after work. So far, he hasn’t missed a class–but this Wednesday, he got a call from the school nurse–his daughter is sick, and he needs to leave work early to pick her up. This means he cannot attend his strength class today. How does Juan handle this situation?
- A sick child is a disruption to Juan’s plan. He knows that, as much as he wants to stick to his usual routine, things like this will inevitably happen. While he’s frustrated that this changes the plan for the day, he acknowledges his frustration, lets it go, and shifts his mindset explore what he could do instead of the class.
- Juan brainstorms several ways to stay on track as best he can. He quickly thinks through a few options:
- Skip his Wednesday workout class and just go to the next one on Friday–and accept that since he went to class on Monday, he will still complete two classes this week.
- Do a short virtual strength class at home while his daughter is resting.
- Do a few strength exercises while watching a movie with his daughter.
- Juan decides to do a virtual strength class today. This gives his daughter time to rest, and he can still fit in a strength training session, even if it looks different than what he originally planned.
Juan is pleased that he is able to manage t his disruption in a positive way.
Moving Forward
The more often you handle disruptions to your routine, the easier it will become to “flex” when they come up. You’ll have numerous “back-up” options at your fingertips, and you’ll have the experience of knowing that you can stay on track, even if your path had some unexpected curves along the way!
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Article Source:
The Joy Choice by Michelle Seger
*This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical or financial advice. Please consult your doctor for advice about changes that may affect your health. | © 2024 Health Fitness Corporation