We all want to be successful. But success is a relative term. Just as there is no right or wrong way to eat a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, there is no right or wrong way to measure success. I believe that we have to “rewrite the rules” on what success in your health and fitness journey looks like; not for society, not for your parents, not for your spouse but for you, personally. You need to change your mindset and use your own, personal strengths and passions to build lifelong change.

In order to talk about your health journey it is important to understand how to MEASURE your journey… your success! There are many tools available to keep track of your progress. They monitor things such as calorie and nutrient intake, energy expended, steps, distance or flights of stairs taken.

Some of my favorite tracking tools are:

1. Fitbit

2. Apple Watch

3. iPhone

4. An old school pedometer that may do nothing more than track your steps!

5. Fitness Pal

6. Pen to journal, scrap paper or even sticky notes

Consider looking at the numbers tracked as a research project. Gathering numbers for data disconnects you emotionally from the numbers (there is no good or bad) it’s just numbers.

Gather your info and look at averages over a week or even a month to see trends that could be helping or hindering your journey.

It is important to have a very clear understanding and way of measuring your success. Instead of hoping the scale will show you what you want to see, Fill yourself with the positive effects your efforts have produced.

1. Keep a journal of weekly non-scale accomplishments that make you proud.

2. Write your “feel good” moments on your bathroom mirror with a dry erase marker. (Make sure it is not a permanent marker).

3. Jot down “smile” moments in the notes section of your phone

4. Write down your “wins” throughout the week and send them to me every Sunday!

5. Be creative. Think about what makes you feel successful!

Refer back to my podcast episode #2 for more ideas on measuring success.

Journal Questions:

1. Have you tracked your food and exercise in the past?

2. What did you like and dislike about this process?

3. What tools and approaches changed your mindset and how did they change your motivation level?

4. Write down three good feelings you could take away from fitness or nutrition if you allowed yourself to forget about weigh-in or measurements?

5. Has the scale ever been your friend? What is your current relationship with the scale? Could there be a place in your journey to keep the scale if you use it strictly as a tool?

6. What was your parents’ relationship with the scale? What were you taught as a kid about health and fitness?

Homework:

Goal setting will always be part of your homework. Once a week write down your focus or goals for the week. Every Friday reassess them, tweak them or change them to fit your needs. Goal setting and accountability are where the magic happens!!!!

Links:

Direction Not Perfection, Accountability and Coaching from your Wine-loving Dietician

https://braughlerbooks.com/store/books/direction-not-perfection