I recently read a blog entry that resonated me. Gretchen Rubin, the mastermind behind the Happiness Project, had a post entitled "Why I Treat Myself Like a Toddler. A Cranky Toddler.". The blog post focuses on the idea of referring to oneself in the third person, or more specifically like a toddler, in order to stay on track in life. Anyone that has spent time with a toddler, or more specifically a cranky toddler, knows that things just move along so much easier if everything is planned.
For instance, in the morning when I'm preparing my food for the day, a typical conversation with myself will go as follows: "Erin, you know you can't just pack dark chocolate in your lunch. A spinach salad is a much better choice." Of course that cranky toddler within me responses with, "But chocolate tastes soooooo much better!" It's a never ending battle, but typically the adult Erin wins out.
As we're now in the new year, it's resolution season. It's only January 9th and I can guarantee most Americans have already broken the promises they made to themselves only a week ago. Unfortunately, that's just how it goes. It's normal to break down on New Year's resolutions, but I think Gretchen Rubin's advice to think of yourself like a cranky toddler can help with any resolution you may have set.
Now usually resolutions have to do with health and changes you wish to make to your health, so that's what I'll focus on, but of course resolutions are different for everyone. Want to get more sleep? Set a mandatory time that you must be in bed by every night just as you would your 3 year old daughter. Want to add more vegetables into your diet. Plan out your meals for an entire week. If you're away at work all day and typically stop at the local deli for a sandwich, buy a lunch box and pack your own sandwich with lots of leafy greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and whatever else tickles your fancy that day. Want to exercise more? Get out your calendar and schedule in the exact time you'll be heading to the gym, going for a run, rolling out your yoga mat, etc. Keeping children on a schedule makes their lives more manageable. Same goes for adults.
Of course this all sounds much easier than it truly is. However, there are a few more keys to your success. Children love surprises. Of course sticking to a schedule is important, but adding in something special every once in a while is important too. Maybe on Fridays you put in a little bit of candy in your lunch for an extra treat. Perhaps after your Sunday morning workout you treat yourself to massage that day or even a beer at night. If you feel like you're a slave to your plan of action without some type of reward, it feels like change is just impossible. Treat yourself and add in small surprises.
Lastly, be patient. I cannot stress this enough. I get so down on myself when I stray from a plan or schedule, but I just have to remember that tomorrow will happen and it's okay if I need to jump start everything on the next day. Maybe today I didn't consume as many vegatables as I was planning, I shouldn't feel like I need to make up for it later in the week. Instead I just get back on schedule tomorrow and know that my plan is still there to keep me grounded. Be patient with yourself and just know that the small steps you're taking now are moving you in the right direction toward something bigger and better.
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