Making things happen in your life requires a faith, or an ability to believe that is unshakable, regardless of your circumstances.
Les Brown
Do you have an unshakable belief that you can make changes in your life to take care of your well-being? If your response is a startlingly loud and confident ‘HECK YEAH!’, then you’re on the right path.
On the other hand, if you’re a little hesitant about answering this question, I’m grateful you’re reading this post. Right now, you may be doubtful whether you can make lasting healthful changes. No worries, many individuals start out their health transformation journey with a dose of uncertainty. However, you can use these sources to build confidence in creating and sustaining new health habits.
Sources of Self-Efficacy
Self-Efficacy. There’s a term you may or may not have heard of before. It’s a psychological term defined by Albert Bandura that I learned when I went back to school to get certified as a Health and Wellness Coach. Essentially, it’s defined as the “belief that one has the capability to initiate and sustain a desired behavior.” – Coaching Psychology Manual.
Here are three ways to help increase your confidence:
1. Pay close attention to your emotions
Let’s say you recently set a goal to exercise 150 minutes a week, breaking it down to 30 minutes a day from Monday to Friday. After your 30-minute brisk morning walk on Monday, you noticed that you feel more focused, relaxed, and ready to tackle the day. By taking a mental note of this positive burst of energy, you’re more likely to do it the following day.
But what if you were in pain after your walk? Perhaps, you haven’t been exercising, and this was the longest time you’ve walked, and now everything hurts! You’re feeling distressed and also discouraged. In this case, it’s about finding your sweet spot. One that’s still challenging but not overwhelming. One that fills your energy instead of draining it. Would a 15-minute walk work better?
2. Watch others do what you want to do
When you see another person succeed and can relate to their experience, you start to imagine yourself doing it too. You might even say, ‘If she can do it, I can do it, too!’ There’s a powerful force when you hear encouraging health transformation stories. And when it’s similar to your personal experience, you see yourself as capable as the person you’ve observed.
Do you want to prevent type 2 diabetes? I’d like to invite you to a new release of inspiring videos showcasing three individuals who participated in the National Diabetes Prevention Program and were able to take back control of their health.
- One story is about Percy – a retired Colonel, 72 years old, husband and father, who learned practical ways to make healthier food choices.
- Another is about Denisse, a 36-year-old single mother with three children who went from someone who lacked energy and was depressed to a mom with more energy and more fun with her family.
- And the final story featured is about Brenda, 68, who became concerned about her health because her dad got very ill with diabetes. With her lifestyle changes, she’s no longer in pain and feels very healthy.
3. Achieve quick wins
What’s the best way to build confidence? When you set and achieve your health goals. Realistic goals are broken down into smaller actionable goals, so they’re within reach. It’s all about the small and quick wins carving the path for you to develop consistent healthy habits.
You may have an audacious goal of losing weight. For example, one individual who was a part of the PreventT2 program had a goal of losing 50 pounds or more when she started. The PreventT2 program encourages participants to set a 5 to 7% weight loss goal, but she wanted to do more. After nine months, she has lost over 50 pounds. It took small changes over time – eating habits, exercise habits, sleep, and stress management – that multiplied to achieve her ultimate goal.
Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.
Henry Ford
Believe you can prevent type 2 diabetes! Within you are strengths, you can harness them to make it possible. I believe you can take charge and transform your health. If you need extra support, I encourage you to set up a free 30-minute Zoom or phone session => Healthy Lifestyle Strategy Session
