[TRANSCRIPT]
Hey there!
Everything in life — which includes improving your health, fitness, and nutrition — is a series of trade-offs.
In order to say “yes” to something, we have to say “no” to something else. And vice versa.
For example:
Saying “yes” to preparing your own food might mean saying “no” to regularly eating out at restaurants.
Saying “yes” to an extra 30 minutes of sleep might mean saying “no” to a half-hour of late-night series binge watching.
Saying “yes” to a daily exercise session might mean saying “no” to an hour of Facebook.
Saying “yes” to eating healthy may mean saying no to some of the junk food you have grown to feel entitled to and rely on.
Life is a constant negotiation where you are making deals that take you closer to your goals or move you further away from them.
When I started my journey and I wanted to do something the first question I would ask myself was ‘Will this take me further away from or closer to my goals?
If the answer was further away I would then ask myself if it was worth it to me.
If it was worth it to me I would do it with no guilt and move on. Most of the time it was not worth it.
For example, if I was on a first date and my date wanted to share a chocolate brownie I might see that as worth it and be prepared to trade-off the upside vs my goals.
But if I was at an office party and there was a buffet I might not see eating everything under my nose as worth it. Because that is not really a special or memorable experience. It is more like just indulging for the sake of.
The best part is that we all have different goals and limits. Some people want to be super healthy and have six-pack abs. Other people want to just be relatively fit and healthy and not take things too far.
If you want the abs you have to make more trade-offs in favour of better decisions.
So let’s start to think and talk about what you are willing to trade.
You only have limited time, resources, energy, and brain space.
What are you prepared to trade off to get leaner, fitter, and/or healthier?
Right now:
What are you prepared to say “yes” to?
What are you prepared to say “no” to?
What will you have to stop doing in order to start moving towards your goals and dreams?
There are no right or wrong answers. There is absolutely no judgement either.
Just choices and compromises.
It’s your call. YOU decide. But it is really good to know where you stand and where you draw your boundaries.
Also be aware that this may change over time as your goals shift. In some periods you may be willing to trade off more or less.
For example, you may be training for a special goal like a fitness competition. In that period you may make less trade-offs than when you are in a maintenance phase of your journey.
Your action
Today, think about what “deals” you’re realistically and honestly willing to make over the next year.
(And don’t worry: Unlike real life, you can change the deal anytime!)
In order to say “yes” to healthy choices, what are you prepared to say “no” to?
Keepin’ it real: What are you also NOT prepared to give up or lose right now?
Make that list and see you tomorrow.
