Summer is coming.
And if you’re like most people, there’s a part of you that’s thinking:
- “I should probably lose a few pounds…”
- “I just want to feel better in my clothes…”
- “I need to get back on track.”
But there's a problem…
Every time you try to “get healthy,” it turns into:
- An extreme diet
- An all-or-nothing workout plan
- A few weeks of motivation… followed by burnout
Does that sound familiar? Did you lose a few pounds last year and gain them right back?
Here's the punch line. Don't start with the question, "How can I lose a couple pounds?" Start with this question, "How can I be healthier?"
A Simpler Way to Get Healthier
We’ve seen this over and over. And it's not the right approach.
Approach the next 90 days answering the question, "What's 1-2 things I can do that help me live healthier?" As opposed to, "What can I do to lose a few pounds before summer."
Starting with the wrong question will give you the wrong outcome.
You may need to re-read that.
So instead of trying to find a weight loss hack, here’s a different challenge:
Pick 1–2 simple habits and commit to them for 90 days. That’s it. To help you get started, use the 5 Factors of Health: Eat. Move. Recover. Connect. Think.
1. Eat: Your "Thing" is Costing You
Chances are you have a "thing" - fast food, alcohol, fancy coffee drinks, cookies, etc. This "thing" isn't helping you be healthier. You don't have togive it up completely, but you do need be honest with yourself and face the facts.
Pick your "thing:" - fast food, alcohol, coffee, or treats, and track how much money you spend on it. Track April, May, and June seperately and the goal would be to spend less and less each month.
When you become aware of how much time or money you're spending, you can make better choices.
Chances are your "thing" is holding you back from being healthier. Chances are, you'd lose a few pounds if you had less of it. And if you spend less money on it, there's a good chance you could lose those few pounds.
2. Move: On Your Feet Every Day
Here’s your challenge:
Walk, jog, or run every single day.
Some days it might be 30 minutes.
Some days it might be 5.
Start your morning with a 15 minute jog, I dare you!
Take a 10 minute walk between meetings..it will give you energy and clear you head!
What about a post-dinner walk with the family instead of sitting down to watch a show together?... (gasp!)
You're not walking or jogging to burn calories or because you're going to lose weight. You're doing it because it's a healthy decision; because you want to be a healthier person.
Track how many days you walk, jog or run in April. Don't be perfect, just aim for consistency. Then, track May and June too. Your goal is to be more consistent.
3. Recover: Get Your Phone Out of Bed
I'm challenging you to improve the quality of your sleep. If you need some proof on this, spend 5 mintues on the internet and look up the impact of screens before bed.
The bottom line... screens before bed reduces the quality of your sleep. Period.
And if you're serious about being healthier, you'll eventually get serious about improving the quality of your sleep.
So here's your challege:
Remove your phone from your bed.
Charge it somewhere else. Use an old-school alarm clock.
Better sleep leads to better energy.
Better energy leads to better choices.
4. Connect: Get a Mentor
Getting healthier isn’t just something you can do on your own. You need guidance and support from someone you trust.
Here's your challenge:
Once a month, schedule a lunch with:
- Someone who can challenge & encourage you, or
- Someone one stage ahead of you in life
The right conversations can change your direction faster than you think. Invest in relationships that will help you be healthier, and buying a mentor lunch once a month is a small investment to make!
5. Think: Feed Your Mind
If you want to change your body, you have to change your mindset.
Try this challenge for the next 90 days:
- Listen to 1–2 new podcasts each month, or
- Read one book focused on growth or health
What you think about daily shapes what you do daily.
Let me put it another way; spend more time watching/listening/reading about healthy topics and less time watching entertainment shows or sports.
The Plan (Keep It Simple)
Choose one or two habits that stand out to you. Don’t try to do all five. Please, don't.
Commit to them for the next 90 days.
Track your progress each month. You'll never be perfect, so don't bring that expectation to it.
What Happens If You Don’t?
Three months from now, summer will be here either way.
My only question is:
Did you make an effort to be healthier? Or did you just try and lose a couple pounds?
Start with the right question.
Make this your strongest, healthiest summer yet.
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