People are most likely to be successful at a diet or any other behavior change if they have a positive vision of the future that is linked to their authentic self–who they “really” are, says Kate Larsen, a faculty member at Wellcoaches, Inc. It can take some self-reflection and time to create this vision, but it is something you can draw strength and inspiration from again and again, Larsen says. Here are some questions to ask yourself to help you create that positive vision of the future:
- What would I look and feel like at my ideal level of wellness? What would I be doing? Who would I be?
- In the past, what has been my peak experience with wellness and ideal weight? What was it like when I felt at my best and looked my best?
- What do I value most about myself and my life? Which of those values support my health and weight goals?
- What are my strengths? What strengths will help me achieve my weight/health goals?
- What do I need to make it happen? What people and resources can I draw on?
- If I could wake up tomorrow morning and, magically, have achieved my health and weight goals, what would be different?
- What’s important to me? What is it about right now that makes me want to do this? What would be really worth it?
