"If you run, you are a runner. It doesn't matter how fast or how far. It doesn't matter if today is your first day or if you've been running for twenty years."
—John Bingham, a self-proclaimed couch potato who became a marathoner.
How do you identify yourself? You might use labels such as your job title ("project manager" or “nurse”), your relationships ("son" or "mother"), or your personality ("organizer" or "procrastinator"). But what about also claiming an identity as “someone who works out”? It can take time—and an attitude adjustment—to feel comfortable putting yourself squarely in that category. But when you do, you might find that you’re more open to new activities, to pushing yourself just a little more, and to moving more often. A good way to firm up your commitment is to think of yourself as an active person.
5 steps to becoming that person who works out.
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Make your environment activity-friendly.
Think about how your surroundings help—or hinder—your exercise intentions. Can you keep a jump rope or balance ball by the TV? Reserve a top drawer for your workout clothes? Stick an inspirational motto on your bathroom mirror?
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Take up healthy actions.
Which new activities have you started since you started Weight Watchers? How do you fit them into your day?
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Assess your capabilities.
What can you do now that you couldn't (or wouldn’t) do before joining Weight Watchers? Is there an activity you'd like to try? What's been holding you back?
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Look at your beliefs.
How does the way you feel about yourself affect your ability or drive to be active? What can help you feel empowered to take up exercise or try something new?
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Arrive at a new identity.
Seeing yourself as an active person, as well as, say, a salesperson, mom, and organizer, is a matter of combining the externals—a healthy environment and helpful actions—with your positive feelings about yourself. Look in the mirror and you’re likely to see a confident, hopeful person ready for your next workout!