You literally have thousands of options when it comes to exercise. Of course, the “experts” on TV, in magazines, and the internet will insist their secret method is best. Everyone has an opinion, I sure do, but let’s not overlook the most important part of exercising…. actually doing it.
The real secret of people who stay fit, lean, and healthy over the years (and decades) is simple – they have habits that keep them fit, lean, and healthy. Habits take time to grow and feed off each other. Most people fail at New Year’s resolutions because they try to make quantum leaps without the support of habits.
So, before you start a new diet and exercise plan, do something simple that will inflate your chances for success – take 5 walks.
That’s it.
Forget about any 21-day rule or whatever else you’ve heard about habit forming, and just commit to these 5 walks. For 15 minutes or so, walk around your neighborhood or treadmill. Make the telephone calls to friends and family that you’ve been putting off, listen to an audiobook, or clear your mind completely.
Try to complete all 5 walks in 10 days or less so you don’t go too long without progress towards your goal.
You’ll build positive momentum. As one healthy habit begets another, you’ll cultivate a psychological state that makes it easier to say “no” to the bad stuff and “yes” to the good stuff.
Too easy? Good. It’s supposed to be.
You’ll find yourself happier and healthier going the extra mile (pun intended) on an easy goal over struggling and quitting on a lofty one.
I recommend tweaking this strategy for other habits as well. For example, buy 5 bags of broccoli and commit to eating them all in a week. Buy an interesting book, but no matter how big it is, only concern yourself with reading the first 5 pages.
Nourish that positive momentum and it will take you wherever you want to go.
