Every individual’s journey with weight starts somewhere, and it ends someplace else completely different. This journey is filled with emotional, physical and sometimes spiritual changes, making it sometimes very intimidating to take that initial first step along the road to better health.
The First Step Makes All the Difference
The notable artist Vincent Van Gogh once quoted: “Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.”
Every step in the right direction is noteworthy, no matter how big or small. What matters is that very first step – the moment you realize Your Weight Matters, and you are deserving of a life filled with health and happiness.
When you have reached this point, you have already done something significant. You’ve recognized the impact that weight has on health, and that knowledge is key to beginning your weight management journey. It doesn’t matter what stage of that journey you’re at, what mistakes you’ve made in the past, or what challenges you’ve yet to overcome.
Once you commit to your weight management journey and take that first step forward, you have done something powerful and worthy of celebrating.
Taking that Initial Step Forward – Tips for Beginning Progress
You may be thinking, “Okay, but what does that first step look like?” Well, it looks different for everybody. But if you’re new to the journey with weight and health, there are few important “first steps” that are crucial to finding long-term success.
- Start the Conversation – Talk about your decision with a friend, family member or a health professional. Open up the dialogue. Ask for advice, support and guidance as you begin this significant journey.
- Visit Your Doctor – If you don’t already have one, find a doctor that makes you feel comfortable and supported. Begin an initial health examination, and discuss with your healthcare provider about what your next steps should look like. For tips on having this conversation with your doctor, CLICK HERE.
- Set SMART Goals – List goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely. These will clearly define the path you want to take and guide you correctly toward your goals.
- Remove Distractions – Maybe it’s a refrigerator or pantry cluttered with unhealthful foods, or a piece of exercise equipment covered up by clothing. Maybe it’s a friend who isn’t supportive or simply a small change to your daily routine. Find what it is that distracts you from moving in the right direction.
- Keep Multiple Logs – These may include a food log, exercise log or even a log that documents your physical and emotional changes. Logs/journals help you remember where you’re at in your journey and where you started.
If you’ve decided to make this commitment and begin your weight management journey, congratulations!
Now, we invite you to take the Your Weight Matters Challenge and benefit from a variety of FREE resources to help you along the way.
