2021 . . . In for the Long Haul
Thoughts on avoiding the perils of a quick-fix
I sometimes find the first two months of the New Year to be beyond frustrating.
This year, I’ve managed to avoid making resolutions that would only cause me “failure-guilt” by mid-February. But I can’t seem to watch a good football game or movie without being bombarded by constant appeals to make myself better, lose weight, get organized, try a new medication, join a new gym . . . it seems that everyone has a powerful quick fix just waiting for me.
How many quick fixes have worked for you? My track record? Zero. Yes, on occasion, something has produced results relatively quickly. But lasting results? Something I could sustain? No way.
That’s because lasting results are rarely quick, and almost never as easy as advertisers want us to believe. Most behavioral experts tell us that it takes at least 30 days – more often longer – for change to really take root and become part of who we are. Like so much else, change takes practice – and practice takes time.
A few months ago, I decided to start strength training again. But I wanted to do it my way. You see, so much in my life involves numbers . . . being measured against goals, hitting financial targets and all sorts of other numerical assessments, some placed on me, and some of my own doing. I did NOT want yet another set of numbers to measure against, nor the rigid schedule that would certainly have to accompany them.
So I decided to do it my way. To do the exercises and lifting I wanted to do, when I wanted to do them. I know some of you are cringing, but guess what? It has WORKED! It started out slowly and a bit haphazardly, but over time, my body began to crave this experience. Stressful day . . . exercise became my go-to. Want to boost the energy level? Spend some time lifting. I even moved my equipment outside so I could work out and enjoy my surroundings at the same time. What began quite erratically has now eased into a nice – but flexible – flow. And best news of all . . . I can see the change . . . I can feel the change . . . and I want MORE change. I am in for the long haul.
For me, the secret has been two-fold. First, I gave myself the freedom to do this my way, even if it meant faltering a bit along the way. I believed in my own ability to make something happen – even if I wasn’t quite sure exactly what that would look like. Secondly, I knew it would take time, and that if I stuck with it and gave myself the freedom to mix it up, I had the best chance of getting results.
As you go into the New Year, I encourage you to think about the long haul, and to choose healthy things that you can do in your own way, and at your own pace. I bet you’ll see better and longer-lasting results than with any of the New Year’s quick fixes.
Here’s to thriving!
Dennis (with thanks to Roby Segura)
Look for my upcoming blog series “It’s About . . . “ for more thoughts and tips on thriving in 2021. Coming in February!