What is resilience, and how can we use it in to make our lives more enjoyable and productive?
The definition of resilience is ‘the ability to recover quickly from illness, change or misfortune’.
Buoyancy
This quality is super-important whether we are trying to lose weight or achieve any other goal. We all have times when we seem to go off-track. This can be due to external reasons, a change of routine or a negative comment from a ‘friend’, or because of how we feel internally. So, how can you build your resilience, so that you can bounce back quickly and easily? Here are four key tips to get you back on track.
Have a strong VISION
One of the key ways to stay strong is to have a clear and powerful vision of what you are moving towards. It’s difficult to stay on track if you’re not really sure where you are heading and it’s easy to get distracted. So, spend some time really getting clear on what you want to achieve. Make your vision as detailed as possible. Know how you want to look, feel, the kind of thoughts you want to have and how it will be for you when you reach your goal.
Make your vision so compelling and attractive that even if you do get knocked off course, just bringing it to mind sets you back on the right path.
Be PREPARED
You know the times when you are likely to slip a little (or a lot!) Perhaps when you go on holiday you tend to eat more, there’s a particular friend who always encourages you to have a second helping, or maybe there’s a specific time of day when you’re tempted to overeat.
Rather than going into these times mindlessly, think about how you could deal with them differently. Set your intention to eat only when you are hungry and stop when you feel full, really savouring your food. Let your friend know that you are working towards a weight loss goal, so making healthier food choices. Think of other activities you could do at those times of day when you tend to overeat.
By being prepared, you will automatically feel stronger and more grounded.
Be KIND to yourself
It’s easy to stick to your plans and intentions when you’re feeling good, but at times when you’re not feeling so great, it can be more difficult. So think about the things in life that make you feel good, that nurture and support you.
This will be different for everyone, but take some time to create a list of activities, people and places that make you feel great. Then make sure that you incorporate all of these things into your life. Make a conscious decision to be kind to yourself and do what you love.
By looking after yourself in this way, you will build your natural resilience and if you do have times when you are feeling low, you have a list of resources you can use to give yourself a boost!
Get the right SUPPORT
I have spoken about this before and it is so important. You know the people in your life who are positive and encouraging. Pick at least one of them and tell them about your weight loss goals. Ask this person for the support you need and at times when you feel like you are going off-track, call on them.
You will automatically feel more resilient when you know you are not alone.
If you think you are in need of some resilience, then put these tips into action immediately and notice your results!