Molokai Fitness: Behavior Change

Community Contributed

By Ayda Ersoy

Why do we create habits? If something feels good, then most likely we will do it again and again, even if it is not really doing us good. But our body starts automatically doing it, without thinking about it. Our body takes control over our mind.

And why then is it so hard when we try to break our habits? Because a change, or a new habit, feels uncomfortable, unfamiliar. We are trying to change ourselves without changing the way we think. We can’t change the way we feel, or what we do, if we don’t first change the way we think.

First, you need to understand that in order to change a habit, you have to change your perception. And you should ask yourself the real reason why you want to change.

For example, if you want to lose weight, then first identify what that means to you. Yes, you want to be healthy, but what does it really mean to be healthy? Tell yourself why you want to lose weight, and write down the reasons. Be specific. Then, if you’ve tried it before and it didn’t work, think what it was that stopped you before. Be totally honest with yourself — maybe you failed before, but you don’t want to fail again. Maybe your environment affected you. Or maybe you’ve been in that state and it didn’t feel right or familiar.

Don’t you agree that if you positively change the way that you think, you can change your habits?

I can hear you now saying, “I understand everything, but how?” Here’re a few tips.

Be aware, be present. What does that mean? When you are present, and really aware of what you’re doing, you will realize quickly when you go back to your old habits. Of course it’s not easy to begin with, but if you repeat over and over again then you can create a new, better habit

Identify what you want to change, and remind yourself what the exact reasons are. If you think any negative thoughts, then say out loud why you can’t do it. When you hear your voice, you’ll realize that you are just making excuses. You can do it!

You have to have a plan. This will keep you on track and help you do what you’re actually thinking about. You can create a new you!

Remind yourself what you are proud of — maybe your career, or your kids, or just the way you help other people. You should be proud of yourself. You are stronger than what you think about yourself.

Today is an amazing day, so start right now, today, don’t wait until tomorrow.

Remember, my next free nutrition workshop is Tuesday Nov. 4, 5:30 p.m., at Home Pumehana. I will talk more there about behavior change while you are dieting, and how you can keep on track. Keep smiling, stay healthy!