Small Changes, Big Results

Long weekends are a great time to refresh my body and my mind. They take me out of my constant 'go, go, go' life and give me time to do things that I don't usually make time for. This weekend I spent a lot of time in my garden. I weeded and pruned and planted and transplanted. I must say it looks amazing. But if this year is like the 5 years prior, this lovely little oasis will turn dry, wilted and weedy. There will be some growth, a cucumber here and there, a serving of lettuce and a tomato or 2. But sadly unless I change some of my habits from previous years this little garden will not live up to its full potential. It is my hope that something as small as regular watering or weeding will produce a bounty of fresh vegetables for my family to enjoy.

Often times our lives are like my little garden. For many of us we are in good health and are able to do what we want. But just imagine the improvement to our wellbeing if we took a bit of time and effort to change something in our lives. Regular watering or pruning could produce a stronger healthier body that is able to do and be more then we were in the past.

So how do we make these small changes?

1) Connect a new habit to something you are already doing. I often recommend to clients when they watch TV in the evenings to take the time during commercials to do push ups, squats, planks or stretch. Before long you will be feeling stronger and you won't have to give up something you enjoy to get there.

2) Make a small change to something you do already. For many the race to get 10,000 steps in everyday is a challenge. Why not change where you park? Every time you go to the store instead of trying to find the parking spot closest to the doors park farther away. You will add more steps to your day without a lot of effort or big change to your routine.

3) Tell someone you are making the change. By telling someone you are making a change you have someone who will hold you accountable. Pick someone who will be encouraging, kind and hold you to your changes.

As you go out this week may your small changes bring big results.