Set yourself up for success

Well, I travelled to hell and back last week, Ireland’s largest obstacle course run, in the beautiful Kilruddery Estate. The course did not beat me and I made it back relatively unscathed. I was lucky enough to have my 3 wonderful boys and my husband with me. We clambered over 10ft walls, waded through swamps and rivers, crawled through electric shock runs and submerged ourselves in ice baths. For what? I asked myself this several times on the 7km course – was it for the challenge? to spend time with those I love? just for the sheer hell of it? Whatever the reason what really struck me through the course was the importance of teamwork and support. We worked together as a team…no man or woman or child was left behind. What was more, strangers helped strangers and everyone collectively made sure that their fellow participants made it back. We finished the course feeling triumphant and exhilarated. It got me thinking about how important it is to surround yourself with people who will encourage and support you when you are making some positive health changes.

Last month I spoke about Autumn being a time for change. Change takes time. Making a decision to change some of your behaviours and habits to eat well and exercise is a life changing move. It takes practice for those new habits to become routine. Sometimes it is difficult to maintain that enthusiasm you had in the beginning.

Set yourself up for success. Surround yourself with people who will support your health goals. Tell them about the changes you are about to make. If you are finding it tough, it is those people who will lift your spirits, encourage you and reignite your motivation. You never know they might decide to join you!

Take small steps, create new habits, celebrate successes and enjoy every moment. There is no greater more worthwhile goal than health. Supporting friends and family will help make your health goals become a reality.