How to make healthy decisions feel easier

Eating more than you planned, scrolling longer than you intended, saying yes to more nights out than you’d like… You could pin it all on a perceived lack of willpower. Or learn this more effective strategy.

Let’s dive a little deeper…

If you’ve ever felt discouraged by your “lack of willpower” in certain situations, it’s not just you—and, actually, it’s not you at all. It takes a ton of energy to strong-arm yourself into making hard choices or changing behaviour, and that energy dwindles the more you use it and the more tired or stressed you feel. (One reason why forcing anything at night seems extra challenging.)

What works better: Setting specific “if/then” guidelines. By deciding how exactly you’ll handle situations ahead of time, your preferred choice is pre-made, so you’re less likely to waffle and more likely to follow through when the time comes. Just be sure your “then” is truly doable and focuses on what you will do versus won’t. For example, boycotting pizza night can set you up for failure. But knowing you’ll dig into two slices and have a plan for what to eat afterward if you’re still hungry? You can practically pre-celebrate the win.