Change Your Identity to Change Your Health
One of the biggest obstacles to achieving long-term health and fitness success is mindset. Many people struggle with consistency in their workouts and nutrition, not because they lack willpower, but because they still identify with their old habits and behaviors. If nothing changes, nothing changes! Change your identity to change your health.
To truly transform your body and health, you must start by transforming your identity.
Instead of seeing yourself as lazy, unmotivated, or incapable of sticking to a workout or nutrition plan, start reframing your mindset. Begin identifying as the type of person who prioritizes movement, makes healthy choices, and lives an active lifestyle. Your habits will follow your identity. When you believe you are the kind of person who makes healthy choices, those choices become second nature and change your health for the better!
Here are some tangible ways to shift your mindset and identity to change your health:
Identify as a Person Who ….
Is Active
Instead of saying, “I never stick to workouts,” start saying, “I am someone who enjoys moving my body every day.” Learn to make exercise a non-negotiable. Instead of seeing workouts as optional, consider them an essential part of your routine, just like brushing your teeth.
Sees the Benefits of Kickstarting Your Day with Movement
See yourself as the kind of person who begins each morning with a walk, yoga session, or workout and understands how this positively impacts your day.
Prefers Walking Meetings and Walking Breaks
See the benefits of walking throughout the day, whether it’s parking further away, taking a stroll at lunch or scheduling a walk and talk meeting.
Eats Whole Foods Versus Processed Foods
Instead of saying, “I struggle with eating healthy,” say, “I always include a fruit or vegetable with every meal.”
Recognizes the Value of Staying Hydrated
Become someone who always carries a water bottle and makes hydration a priority.
Enjoys Preparing Your Own Meals
Instead of relying on fast food, start thinking of yourself as someone who enjoys cooking and preparing nutritious meals at home.
Prioritizes Sleep
Shift your mindset to recognize the importance of sleep and see yourself as someone who creates a lifestyle to assure you get enough rest each night.
Is Disciplined, Tough and Consistent
Instead of thinking you are weak or lack mental toughness, identify as someone who is consistent with their commitments, has grit and who can do hard things.
Chooses Movement Versus Sedentary Options
See yourself as someone who takes the stairs, stands more than sits, stretches regularly, and makes active choices in everyday life.
Creates an Environment that Supports a Healthy Lifestyle
Become a person who keeps healthy snacks on hand, has a set workout schedule, and engages with like-minded individuals.
By shifting your identity and the way you think about yourself, you make lasting health changes inevitable. When you act in alignment with the identity of a healthy, active person, consistency becomes effortless, and long-term results follow.
Yours in health & fitness,
Sherri McMillan
More Blogs On How to Change Your Health:
Stop Running Red Lights on Your Fitness Journey!
Accountability is the Magic Sauce
Sherri McMillan
Sherri McMillan, holds a master's degree in exercise physiology and has been inspiring the world to adopt a fitness lifestyle for more than 33 years. She has received numerous industry awards including 2010 CanFitPro International Presenter of the Year, 2006 IDEA Fitness Director of the Year, 1998 IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year, 1998 CanFitPro Fitness Presenter of the Year and 2005/2006 ACE Fitness Educator of the Year - Runner up. She is a fitness trainer, fitness columnist for various magazines and newspapers, author of five books and manuals including "Go For Fit - the Winning Way to Fat Loss" and "Fit over Forty" and the featured presenter in various fitness DVDs. She has presented hundreds of workshops to thousands of fitness leaders throughout Canada, Australia, Mexico, Jamaica, New Zealand, Germany, England, Spain, South America, Asia and the U.S. She is the owner of Northwest Personal Training in downtown Vancouver, the founder of WHY Racing Events & WHY Community, participates in various community fundraisers and can be found running, biking, or hiking around the community. Find more information at nwpersonaltraining.com.