“Concentration is the ability to think about absolutely nothing when it is absolutely necessary.” – Ray Knight
C.H.A.R.G.E. #022
Hopefully, you have had the opportunity to read last week’s C.H.A.R.G.E. and have started to develop a plan to get you through the holidays. C.H.A.R.G.E.’s #021, #022, and #023 are only suggestions to help you prepare. If you already have an idea of what you want to do, consider some of these tips and tools so that you can customize the best possible plan of attack this holiday season.
1. Have an exit plan in place. Having a “Plan B” in place for high risk situations is a good idea. However, actually practicing a scenario that could lead to a lapse, or even worse a relapse, is a GREAT idea. It has been said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Knowing what you’re going to do in advance, regardless of the circumstances, significantly reduces your chances of a lapse.
2. Become a role model for another person. Our sense of responsibility increases as people follow our lead. You can see that even when you recommend a restaurant, movie, or hotel to a friend. You want their experience to be as good as yours, in part, because your recommendation reputation is at stake. The same is true with wellness. If someone looks to you as a role model for the behavior they want to practice, then you feel that sense of responsibility to adhere to your goals. Therefore, creating accountability for you to help that person adhere to their goals.
3. Celebrate your victories. Whether big or small, celebrate your victories during the holiday season. Having something to look forward to when you reach a goal or set a personal record will only enhance your experience with your wellness program. At this time of the year, sticking with your program may be a goal in and of itself. Whatever it is, celebrate your success.
4. Post your motivators so that you see them regularly. Post-it notes reminding you of why your wellness program is important to you will help you stay on track. With the threat of lapsing during the holidays, reading your motivators daily will create a sense of obligation on your part. Unfortunately, lapses with your program can lead to relapses. A relapse is a total halt in your program where you lose the benefits you have worked so hard to gain.
Next week we will take a look at the last four tips and tools to help you survive the holiday season.
C.H.A.R.G.E. Questions: Where do you see possible stumbling blocks during the holidays? What is your back-up plan? For whom could you act as a role model? How can you celebrate your victories over the next six weeks? What makes your wellness program important to you? Where can you post those reasons?
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