Ever feel like you're stuck in a perpetual Groundhog Day, making the same resolutions year after year without seeing lasting change? You're not alone. In this candid episode, I open up about my own 20-year cycle of setting and failing to meet the same goals and how I finally broke free from this pattern.
In this abbreviated, solo episode, I reflect on my journey of personal growth and wellness, discussing the pitfalls of traditional goal setting and New Year's resolutions and the importance of addressing deeper issues in one's lifestyle. I introduce the concept of Harvard Medical School’s foundational lifestyle pyramid, emphasizing the need to identify core problems rather than superficial goals. I share my experiences with making intentional changes, the significance of small steps, and the impact of social media on mental health. I critique1 the wellness industry’s one-size-fits-all approach and advocate for intrinsic motivation as the key to lasting change. This episode concludes with focusing on using technology for genuine connection rather than performative engagement, as I’m still trying to navigate social media and restrict my usage. It’s a difficult breakup for a digital content creator!
I share my journey from superficial resolutions to meaningful, sustainable change by addressing the root causes of my behaviors. Drawing from my experience and training as a lifestyle and wellness coach, I explore Dr. Beth Frates’ six pillars of the lifestyle medicine pyramid and how they interconnect to create lasting transformation. I will discuss each of these areas further in the coming weeks. If you want to design your lifestyle pyramid because no two look the same, then let’s talk. Leave a comment of what you believe is the foundation of your pyramid!
Sound Bites
"Everyone's definition of success is different."
"You are the next best thing."
Journal Prompts & Reflection:
Did you make New Year’s Resolutions, or do you currently have goals you are working towards?
Where are you in the process of meeting those, and how much progress have you made along the journey?
What measures are you using to track your progress?
Resources:
“The way to measure your progress is backward against where you started, not against your ideal.” Dan Sullivan, The Gap and The Gain
Link to customize your own Plum Paper Planner to track and measure your progress. Reflecting on daily, weekly, and monthly wins helps me stay motivated and celebrate progress.
References:
The Power of Habit, Charles Duhigg
Lifestyle Medicine Handbook, Dr. Beth Frates
I understand the overwhelm of Substack subscriptions. If you want to support my work but don’t want to commit to a subscription, you can buy me a coffee by following the link below! Yes, I’m still limiting my coffee intake, but it’s a work in progress in these frigid temperatures!
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My newsletter will go much deeper into this topic over the next few weeks after binging Apple Cider Vinegar, amongst other things trending in society!
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