Rules of Change

In the book “If Life is a Game, These are the Rules” by Cherie Carter-Scott, PhD[1] she speaks of six basic steps to executing any change in your life and I have found them to be very applicable when one is deciding to engage in an exercise program. I have taken the liberty in applying my own twist to these steps as it pertains to someone who would like to make a change to better health.

Note: Definitions of Steps are directly from the author, as elaboration and comments are made by yours truly.

Step 1- Awareness: becoming conscious of the pattern or issue.

This is when you finally come to the realization that your current health patterns are not optimal or even close to being par. This can be initiated by a poor report from your last medical visit or your favorite jeans that just don’t fit like they used to, regardless of the reason, you are now in touch with the situation.

Step 2 – Acknowledgment: admitting that you need to release the pattern.

This next step is where you “own up” to the fact that you need to address your current health situation and seek a solution. You may not be happy with your lack of energy, overall health or appearance and know that something needs to be done about it.

Step 3 – Choice: actively selecting to release the pattern.

Realizing and acknowledging the need for improving your health is the crawling portion of the program when executing a change, taking action to enhance your well-being is where you start your walk towards improvement.

Step 4 – Strategy: creating a realistic plan.

Now is when your decision turns into a plan of action. Mapping out your approach of how you will go about improving your health and fitness will set the ground work for your success. Taking action on your own or seeking out assistance from a qualified individual will set you on your way to achieving your goals.

Step 5 – Commitment: taking action, aided by external accountability.

Steps 1 through 4 won’t amount to much other than wasted time and energy without the right program and commitment. I have seen numerous people spend way too much time structuring a plan with every last detail in place and then never sticking with it. Just talking about it and planning won’t improve your health, doing it will.

Step 6 – Celebration: rewarding yourself for succeeding.

When you proceed through the first 5 steps the sixth step has already been manifested. So many that I work with find their reward from their efforts and dedication to themselves and they are remunerated on a daily basis.

I encourage you to take some time to evaluate these steps as I have interpreted them as well as what the author has intended them to be. I think you will find them to be extremely helpful.

[1] “If Life is a Game, These are the Rules” copyright 1998 Cherie Carter-Scott, Ph.D. Broadway Books

"TRAIN WITH A PURPOSE"

Fred Fornicola
www.premierepersonalfitness.com