The weather is improving, spring is in the air. Most of us are itching to get outside and enjoy the weather. Clean up the yard, start walking, get some sunshine.
Inevitably, at some point in the spring, now that the weather is good, most of us are beginning to think about getting back in shape again or losing the 10 lbs we gained over the long cold winter.
Experience tells me that most people have just enough willpower to keep them on track with healthy habits until about mid June. After that most people fall off course due to vacations, cottage season, and barbecues.
Here is my favourite way to trick myself into sticking to healthy habits through the summer.
Book a Race or a Competition. This can be any organized, physically challenging event that you make a solid commitment to.
And here is the most important part: Go online, register, and PAY for it! That is right. You must register AND PAY! Once you have done that, invite a friend to do it with you. Send out a Facebook challenge, or announce it at Mother’s Day dinner.
If you have a friend or family member that is also registered and committed you are that much more likely to follow through with the training and healthy eating required to complete the race.
That is it. Simple. If you just sign up, pay, announce your commitment, and invite friends to join you, you are 80% of the way to accomplishing your goal. The rest is just details.
My wife, Dr. Shawna, reminded me of this health hack by registering for a half marathon with a good friend. They decided to do this half marathon together. They then registered and paid, and, as a result they meet every Thursday morning for training sessions together. This way they are holding each other accountable and having some social time while doing their training!
My challenge to you is to spend a few minutes TODAY searching online for an event that you are interested in, and just take the plunge and register and PAY! When you have done it, let me know what you are going to do. I would love to cheer you on and I would be happy to offer some training tips if you need them.
Dr. Craig
PS. For me, this year I am going to do my first Tough Mudder or Spartan Race. As soon as I publish this blog I am going to get online and sign up for one! Have a great day.