Taking it to the next level

Motivation is a powerful force that will make man move mountains. Each person is motivated differently and with that in mind lies the challenge to keep a group of people “pumped” for a period of time and a long time thereafter.

Will the 12 week challenge be sufficient to carry you beyond this phase? Will old bad habits be broken? Will a new set of good habits be installed? All very pertinent questions, but the answers to these questions lie within each one of you.

Self-discipline and self motivation are at the best of times achieved by a select few. With the results you have achieved over with the 12 week challenge, we believe that this is only the beginning for all of you in your new life. We are certain that the following options will assist you in making a successful lifestyle change:

Set up a buddy support system - Hire a personal trainer as they will set up an exercise and eating program for you and will monitor you as often as you require. Join a club i.e. running; cycling, swimming, aerobics classes as the other members will encourage you and there are usually coaches around to assist with working towards an event and even just to work out a program for you. Encourage some close friends to train with you and set up a network of training partners that will keep motivation & momentum high.

Set a definite goal and date to achieve it i.e. how much/far by when. If you are doing a lifestyle changes then chat to an expert who will help plot a plan to assist with weight gain or loss. If it is a challenge or event specific goal...again chat to an expert that can assist with putting a structured plan together and also confirm whether it is a realistic one at best.

Include friends and family in your plans (exercising and healthy eating ideas). By subtly getting your friends and family to be part of your dream they can assist with motivating you and even train with you. This in turn could even help change their lives without it being part of the original plan.

Visualise and verbalise your goal on a daily basis. Avoid the cliché "Out of sight...out of mind". Put up constant reminders and images around the house and work place. This will eventually implant itself in your subconscious and the mind will run on auto- pilot towards the goal.

Keep mind busy with a hobby or activities that relates to your goal. By doing a hobby one keeps the mind stimulated and hungry and also avoids boredom. By doing an activity that relates to your goal you don`t lose focus and there is variety for you e.g. Training for a mini triathlon...go and do a short cycle or road race and it will all tie up in the end with the big picture.

Have short term goals (milestones) that will keep you tracking towards your long term or final goal. One can use these short-term measuring points to see whether you are on track and make the necessary changes if needed and use them as motivators and mini-reward stations. Keep them coming at regular intervals e.g. every 2/3 weeks.

Persevere - Not every day is going to be easy but working through the tough days with determination will reward you beyond your imagination. By ploughing through the tough times one becomes mentally strong in all aspects of your life and future adversities are overcome a lot easier. Remember: Anyone can sail a yacht in smooth waters but it takes a real winner to sail through the storms.

Taking it to the next level is a journey into the unknown for many of us, let`s seize the day and enjoy the experience. GOOD LUCK.

Healthwise - South Africa