How To Commit Before You Plan

Is it as easy as simply making a decision?

We talked last week about how most people decide they want to do something, but they get stuck in the planning phase. This happens a lot with people wanting to lose weight. I know because this was me just a few years ago.

It’s actually fascinating when you look at the science of this. As humans, we love dopamine. It makes you feel great, and you get it everywhere you look. You can even get it from talking about something you did, or are going to do. For example, when you strategize about how you’re going to start on your diet and you talk to others about how you’re going to try keto, whole30 or intermittent fasting, this can trigger the release of dopamine. Which makes you feel good, right? So that’s a good thing, right?

Actually, you could feel completely satisfied from that release of dopamine, leading you no longer need to take the action to feel that way. This is why some people get stuck in the planning phase. Because it actually gives them the same feeling as if they accomplished something!

So when you acknowledge that it works that way, you understand why it is human nature to get stuck in the planning phase. Once you understand it, you can fight it.

So Then, How Do You Commit?

Decide. Commit. Plan.

This is how Jason Dress explained the mindset shift needed to reach your goals. Instead of deciding you want to lose weight, then planning your diet, then trying to commit to that plan, you reverse it.

Make a decision. “I am going to lose weight.”

Commit to yourself. “I am going to do whatever it takes. I may not know how, but I’m going to do it.”

If you do these two things, the plan will come. In fact, you probably already know most of what you need to do. If you’re reading this newsletter you are already taking the steps necessary to know what to do. You are part of a group of people that want improve their lives and improve themselves. I commend you for that and I am glad to be able to help you do that.

What if committing to yourself isn’t enough?

For some of you committing to yourself might not be enough. It all depends on how well you can hold yourself accountable. Committing to someone else may be what you need to get over the hump.

This is why hiring a coach or joining a program or challenge can be so powerful. Even if you know what to do, that structure and commitment to someone else can be the missing piece you need to accomplish your goals.

Other Ways To Upgrade Your Mindset

The way we talk to ourselves affects our mindset. If you find yourself using phrases like these, catch yourself and stop it in its tracks:

“I’ll never lose weight.”

“I’m too lazy to meal prep.”

“I’m just not a fit person.”

“I don’t have time to workout (or cook)”

“I can’t stick to anything”

“I’m just not motivated.”

Negative phrases like these and others will wreak havoc on your mindset and make it even harder on you. The things we tell ourselves and say about ourselves to others shape our inner beliefs.

It may not seem that way at first because it isn’t an instant effect. If you start saying positive things today, you won’t instantly start feeling better. But, over time if you do it consistently, you will see a huge improvement.

“Feel positive, See Positive, Do Positive, Feel Positive.”

Have an amazing weekend and keep crushing those goals!

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