How to Upright a Fallen-Over Wagon in 4 Simple Steps
by Rochelle Griffin
Most, if not all, of us have been there. It’s “that” moment when we realize that, oops, we’ve totally fallen off the proverbial health & fitness wagon. When this happens, how are we supposed to pick ourselves back up and begin…again? Especially when we’ve worked so hard to accomplish what we’ve accomplished thus far.
I’ve been there myself many times over the past 20+ years. I’m going to share with you 4 steps to help you upright that wagon and not only climb back on but also get into the driver’s seat!
- Weigh yourself.
This first tip is the MOST important and may be the hardest for you to do. It’s time to stop being an ostrich and take your head out of the sand. Go weigh yourself. Be accountable. I understand that you don’t want to, but this is one of the most necessary steps. You have to know your starting point. You have to know just how far away from the wagon you were thrown. Go. Now. Just do it.
(assuming 5 minutes has passed) …and now that you’ve done it, go hide the scale! Don’t bring it out for at least a week. I’m serious!
- Forgive yourself.
Once you’ve weighed yourself, the next most important step is to forgive yourself. If you are feeling frustrated, angry, sad, disgusted, whatever with yourself, it’s imperative that you recognize it and let those feelings go. These emotions will continue to sabotage you if not dealt with. You are human and you have to accept it. The important piece is that you are taking back control and doing something about it. I’m proud of you!
- Make a plan.
OK, the hard, uncomfortable steps are behind you. Now it’s time to be proactive and make a plan. Often people will do the first 2 steps but then not make the plan. If you don’t do this step, you will continue to watch the wagon from afar. We don’t want that for you.
So, the plan…there are a few things to do here.
1. Pick a workout program that you are going to start from the beginning or make the decision to pick up where you left off when the wagon toppled. Either is fine…just DECIDE.
2. If you have allowed unhealthy foods to make their way into your home, you need to get them out. When you are just restarting your health & fitness regime, you are in a vulnerable position. Don’t self-sabotage yourself…and don’t give excuses like “it’s for the kids.” Bull.
3.Pick a date that you are going to start. *Hint: tomorrow works well.
- Set up a support system.
One of the main reasons that people fall off of the wagon is because they try to go at it alone. Support can make the difference between success & failure. Call a friend and tell her what you are doing. Tell your family so they can be your biggest cheerleaders. Post on my Facebook wall and allow me to support you. I would be incredibly honored!
See…it really isn’t as daunting or overwhelming as you thought to get back up. It’s simply a matter of taking action. Put one foot in front of the other and move. These 4 steps are truly all you need to do to upright the wagon, climb in the driver’s seat, and mosey off into the sunset to the destination of your choice.
To Living Your Best Life,
Rochelle Griffin, RN BSN FDN-P
Rochelle Griffin, The Wellness Detective™, is a Registered Nurse (with over 22 years experience) & a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition™ Practitioner who has transitioned her love for fitness, health, & freedom into a 7-figure International company that now helps others live Their Best Life.
She founded Your Best Life, Inc with her husband Keith after stepping onto the edge of physical ruin with her health & the health of their young son. Having experienced a complete turn-around, they now desire to give hope & support to those who are dissatisfied with their current situation.
PS. If you found this post to be of any value to you, please COMMENT below!
part 3, section 2 states to get rid of the bad food. What if you live with someone who does not
share your need to get healthy? how do we get around that?