Here are seven simple steps to achieve your health goals. Follow these steps and you will take control of your health and your life. Let your goals motivate and invigorate your life. You don’t need to be “healthy” to start. You just need a plan. Don’t put it off until tomorrow. We’ve all done that too often in our lives. Start today. Here’s what you need to do.
1. Identify your health goals
It may be getting off medications, losing weight, reducing stress, eating more healthy or getting to bed earlier. You may have a chronic health condition. Or you may have bad habits you need to overcome. Make a list of the health goals you wish to achieve. Make sure your goals reflect your true wishes. Spend time reflecting on what’s most important to you regarding your health and your life. The right goals become your touchstone, your guidepost. They give you direction for the journey.
2. Be realistic
Don’t try to become a vegan overnight, or lose 25 pounds in a month. Set achievable goals in a realistic timeframe. It’s better to start modestly and achieve success. You can always follow up your initial health goals with phase two and phase three. Your subconscious mind will recognize if goals are too lofty. It will be difficult to get motivated if the goals are not attainable.
3. Track your progress
You can use a health journal, white board, or digital checklist. With any project, it is important to manage your progress, making sure to keep on track, and to avoid getting sidelined or otherwise distracted. Plus it’s fun to see all that you’ve accomplished. I like making daily checklists, so I can check them off at the end of the day. Include small tasks, like “walked the dog twice today”, and make sure to check them off in the evening.
4. Be persistent
Restoring health is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires patience and fortitude. Keep your eyes on the goal, but know that 99% of the work is in the process, the small daily details. Achieve your health goals through perseverance and tenacity. Each small step brings you closer to better health.
5. Reward success along the way
Losing half a pound at the end of the week is a success. Acknowledge that success before moving on to the next half pound. Holding your tongue and avoiding an argument is another success. Choosing to eat the apple instead of the apple strudel is yet another small victory. Take a moment to recognize each accomplishment. You are developing new patterns of behavior, patterns that will lead you to better health.
6. Resolve obstacles blocking your road to success
As you move closer to your health goals, you will inevitably come upon roadblocks. These can be health obstacles like chronic cough or headaches, or emotional ones, like unresolved anger or jealousy. Some may be familiar to you, but others will be new. No matter what the obstacle, make a plan to overcome it. Deal with obstacles as they arise. Don’t sweep them under the carpet. You may need to pause on other goals momentarily. It’s all part of the journey.
7. Have support available
This can be an encouraging family member, friend or health care provider. Make sure they understand your health goals. You need positive encouragement and honest feedback to make sure you’re staying on track. Avoid people who are negative or discouraging. Your inner voice will be discouraging enough, without any help from the outside. Check in with your support team, keep them up-to-date on your progress. Brainstorm with them on your challenges and obstacles. Thank them for being there for you, and for sharing in achieving your health goals.
Achieve Your Health Goals
Remember, your health goals are achievable. Don’t let the world convince you that your current state of health is unchangeable. Chronic conditions with no “cure” can be improved over time. Just because there is no pill to resolve a health condition, does not mean you can’t improve your quality of life. You may need to think outside of the box, seek out alternative treatments, and change your lifestyle. You can do it. Follow these steps and you will reach your destination.
Stumbling is an integral part of the journey. Making mistakes are also critically important. This is how we learn, get stronger, build discipline and get clarity on what’s most important. Be OK with life getting a little messy on this journey. And remember that it’s normal to adjust our goals as we proceed along the path. There is no way to know what we need in the future. So adjust your health goals as needed.
Better Health Is A Process
When you reach your destination, celebrate your victory. After a short while, sit down again and map out your next health goal. Our lives are a continuous journey. People with clear goals accomplish more and have a greater sense of satisfaction with their lives than those who just ramble day-to-day without clear purpose. See your future, then make it happen!
Raleigh Acupuncture Associates
We are here to help you achieve your health goals. Read our testimonials and Google reviews to learn more about us. Feel free to call or email with any questions you have, either about acupuncture or healing in general.
If you would like to make an appointment, click BOOK NOW.
MEET THE PRACTITIONERS (VIDEO)
LEARN ABOUT THE CONDITIONS WE TREAT.