November 13 Weekly Technique 2022
How to set healthy intentions-and stick to them
Eating more than you planned, watching TV longer than you intended, saying yes to more nights out than you'd like ... Don't just pin unwanted habits, behaviors, or decisions on a perceived lack of willpower; learn to lean on a more effective strategy.
Try this!
Let's dive a little deeper ...
If you've ever felt discouraged by your "lack of willpower," it's not just you -and, actually, it's not you at all. Willpower is unreliable. It takes a ton of energy to strong-arm yourself into making hard choices or changing habits, and that energy dwindles the more you use it and the more tired or stressed you get. (One reason why forcing anything may seem extra hard at night.)
What works better? Setting "if/then" guidelines for yourself. By deciding how to handle tricky situations ahead of time, the preferred choice is already there, so you're less likely to waffle in the moment and more likely to follow through. Just be sure your "then" is truly doable and focuses on what you will do versus won't. For example, boycotting pizza night altogether can set you up for failure. But saying you'll enjoy two slices while having an action plan if you're still hungry? You got this!
As you start to fill your calendar with end-of-year festivities, set some guidelines for everyday tricky situations and special-occasion ones to stay on track and close out 2022 stronger than ever.
