Have You Planned for Failure?

One of the biggest mistakes I believe people make when trying to change behaviour, is the lack of planning for when they fall off track. Behaviour change models refer to this as relapse. Relapse is a normal and expected part of changing our habits and routines, BUT we’ve built so much shame around falling off track, that we do not even want to consider planning for this natural process.

Change is hard. New lifestyle habits will almost always be in competition with old habits or other habits which are more appealing in the moment.

So, let’s normalize making change, falling off track AND getting back on track again.

How? When you are trying to become more active, for example, add to your planning a note about what might throw you off (getting sick, a holiday, an especially busy time at work), and create two plans:

1) How will I adjust my new workout routine WHEN I am in the midst of whatever is throwing me off? This is often a decrease in the volume and intensity of training, like a 10 mins walk each day that week, instead of being able to get to the gym for example.

2) How you will FULLY RETURN to the new routine once the holiday is over, or you’re feeling better etc. That is, what will be the trigger that tells you it is time to return? And what help might you need? Will you schedule a quick session with your life/wellness coach, book some personal training, or call a friend to workout with you?

What do you think about this idea? Have you ever started something, only to fall off track and not be able to get moving again? Message me if you need a little nudge to get going again deanna@deannalangfordcoaching.com

Cheering you on to get moving again!

Deanna