ARE YOU MAKING CHOICES OR CHEATING?
Every day we are faced with choices. In fact, according to Dr. Wayne Scott Andersen, there are three different types of choices: primary, secondary, and fundamental:
- Primary choices are about deciding the one thing we want most, like optimal health.
- Secondary choices are about defining, then taking the daily actions that support our primary choice, such as choosing not to have ice cream.
- Fundamental choices define our state of being, or our choice to be free and healthy.
It’s important to remember that YOU are empowered and fully responsible for your actions. You don’t have to let circumstances drive your decisions.
This means there is really no such thing as "cheating." You have the power to make decisions that affect your long-term health and wellbeing. But, remember that no one is perfect, and that you may occasionally have the urge to revert back to your old habits, which is totally normal!
The easiest way to stay vigilant in making healthy, positive choices is to practice Stop. Challenge. Choose:
- Stop. Take a slow, deep breath to help control your emotions. Recognize that you are triggering an unhealthy habit. Pausing and taking a breath helps to regain control.
- Challenge. Think about why you are responding to the situation the way you are. Remind yourself of your goals and the choices that can help you reach these goals.
- Choose. Make the healthy choice that gives you a similar reward but is much better for your long-term health.
Remember that it took time to turn unhealthy choices into a healthy habit, so it will take equal time to learn and then implement new, healthy habits. Be patient with yourself because eventually you will train your brain so its automated response is to make the healthy decision.
Need additional motivation or guidance, feel free to reach out!