Either/Or Thinking, aka "I'll start over in January"

This mindset can make-or-break my client's results – especially this time of year.

 

It has to do with “either/or” thinking … and in a nutshell, it works like this:

 

Either they’re 100% on track... or they’re completely off.

 

If you’ve ever heard someone say, “I’ll start in the New Year,” or “I’ll start on Monday,” chances are you were witnessing someone caught in this kind of "either/or" thinking.

 

Another clue that you may be witnessing someone in an ‘either/or” mindset:

 

If they eat something “off my diet” … they talk about how they may as well completely blow it the whole rest of the day, instead of getting right back on track with the very next forkful.

 

Sound at all familiar?

 

This mindset is sneaky because when my client is “ON” or “GOOD” ... they are all-in and feel like they’re making amazing progress.

 

BUT the problem is ... this is pretty much IMPOSSIBLE to maintain in the long run.

 

One little slip-up can make them feel like a failure and want to give up entirely – which can mean undoing ALL of the progress they made ... and I, as their coach, am there to help them pick up the pieces, but, my goodness, that's a tough conversation for us to have.

 

But there IS good news.

 

There’s a happy medium that I encourage my clients to embrace that’s built on DIALING THE INTENSITY up or down ... but still choosing to be at least 1% better today than yesterday.

 

It’s all about making healthy choices on a continuum – choices that add value, energy, and positivity to their life ...

 

choices that actually make them FEEL BETTER …

 

without being “ON” or “OFF” or “GOOD” or “BAD.”

 

For example, during the holiday season that could mean:

  • Saying “yes” to a slice of Aunt Sally's famous pecan pie without feeling guilty,
  • Choosing a wine spritzer instead of your uncle’s infamous eggnog loaded with, extra sugar, and a double shot of bourbon because it’ll make you feel lousy a half-hour later,
  • Getting your blood pumping by taking a brisk walk with your family or dog when you can’t get to the gym,
  • Going to bed by 10 p.m. so you feel rested and energized for whatever tomorrow brings, or
  • Chugging a glass of water first thing in the morning before pouring that cup of coffee so you feel hydrated and refreshed as you begin your day.

 

If you’ve been hearing friends and family saying, “I’ll wait till January to get started,” …  ask them if they would like some help with making TODAY their January 1st and to get a head start on everyone else.

 

What if instead, they ... or maybe you ... decided to make deliberate choices on a case-by-case basis?

 

For my clients, being just 1% better today than yesterday means that their progress won't be lost –  they'll still be able to enjoy their favorite things  – and they can break out of that “good” or “bad” cycle of thinking that's been holding them back for years.

 

Thoughts?

 

Do you know a woman who has prioritized, for years, the needs of her career/spouse/kids ... and now even elderly parents to the detriment of her own health and wellness?

 

With my personal nutrition coaching, self-study courses, and group programs, these amazing, caring women will discover that it's not too late to achieve a body that's FUN to live in again!

 

Book a Discovery Session with me to get started on a personalized plan.

 

My 1:1 Nutrition and Fitness Coaching is so much more than just a time-tested (and client-approved!) nutrition program.  It’s designed to help my clients stay focused in a way that works with their unique schedule and lifestyle.

 

Make it an amazing day,