A Setback is Part of Your Journey to Success
by Dr. Peggy Malone
Today I want to talk about the fact that getting healthy and staying that way is not always easy. Along the way you will definitely hit some bumps in the road… the key is to keep moving forward after a temporary setback.
People have said to me that it must be so nice to make such great choices for my health and wellness and fitness and how do I do it so easily?
I am quick to let them know that even though I write about and educate about health and wellness, I don’t always make the perfect choices for my health every minute of every day. I have the occasional setback and weakness just like everyone else.
The difference between success and failure in any endeavor is taking personal responsibility for the choices that have lead you to where you are today and then making better choices on your journey toward a healthier future.
Another difference between success and failure is that, when a setback or moment of weakness comes along, the successful person will recognize it as a temporary blip and forgive themselves and get back on track… where the unsuccessful person will give up.
So I’m glad that people see me as the fit and healthy person that is setting an example for others to follow. I take that as a huge responsibility and I work hard every day to make choices that reflect that healthy person.
Keep in mind though that I have made a conscious choice to be healthier, it certainly doesn’t come easy to me. I am excellent at avoiding exercise and sitting on the couch eating chips and dip 🙂
As I mentioned in a recent post, I’ve only just gotten back into my running training to prepare for the Niagara Falls Half Marathon this coming weekend.
If I can fight through the temptations of bad health choices, then you can too! Anyone who is ready to make a change can take steps today to be healthier.
Some of you have likely made some really great changes with respect to your health in the past few months or the past year. This is an amazing step on the path to a future healthier you!
Do you remember when you first decided to make the change? Maybe it was January 1st or maybe it was your birthday or maybe it was this morning!
You most likely felt pumped and focused and as though you were on track. You had great energy that was focused on something really great for your health and your future.
I want you to know and expect that, if you haven’t already, you will most likely find a time in the coming weeks or months where you will suffer a setback.
Let me be the first to tell you that when you do… It’s ok! Everyone does. Every successful person has experienced a setback on the way to success.
The key though is that when it happens… recognize it as a little setback, forgive yourself…and get back on track.
Don’t let one slip take your focus off of your future by giving up until next January 1. You can do it! You are worth it.
Do you know anyone in your life that is working hard right now to make a change to their health and wellness habits?
I challenge you, now that you have read this, to encourage them to keep going, don’t quit.
Helping others stay accountable to their goals is a way that you will be more likely to stay on track with yours.
Each one of us has to make a conscious choice every day to make health a priority. Make one decision today that will change the next year of your life and beyond. Expect a setback, encourage others and ask them to encourage you.
Believe you can do it. I believe you can 🙂 Most people will try something repeatedly before they achieve success. If you go into the process assuming it will be easy and that you won’t have a stumble or setback, you are once again setting yourself up for disappointment.
Some people have the idea that if they ‘mess up’ then they are done for the year and they have to wait until next January 1 to try again. Expect that you are going to have a setback and so when one shows up, you can recognize that it’s a minor blip, forgive yourself, and get back on track!
Live well,
[signoff][/signoff]
