Routine: You are in one...is it the one you want to be in?

Have you ever tried to make a change? I’m sure you have. We have all started something new at some point. Was it easy? That depends on what it was and how badly you wanted to do it. Every year, as kids, we started a new schedule. When one grade ended, there was a summer that consisted of a schedule far different from the previous school year. And when that summer came to an end, the next grade forced us to adjust again, not only to a change from the summer, but to a whole new set of classes, guidelines and even new people around us.

So, how did we make this change? Simple, we didn’t have any other options. You go to school because you go to school. You don’t go because you want to or because it’s easy. You go because that is what kids do. It’s the same with work. Why do we go to work? Because, if we don’t do something to earn a living, you won’t have a roof over your head or any food to eat.

It’s that simple. We get into the routine because we know that the alternative is unthinkable. It’s not the fact that skipping school or work wouldn’t be enjoyable. It’s the fact that we would never be satisfied with the results of those actions. So why do we resist the routine of good health?

Why don’t we look at the alternative to living healthy in the same way? Why are we ok being sick, tired and depressed? The sad truth is, we are in a routine. It’s just not the one that will lead us to what we really want. We know the results of the action (or lack of action), but remain in the routine of actions that lead us to lives of sickness, fatigue and depression.

I have seen many people stuck in that old routine. It’s far too common as we see that over 60% of our nation is in it. As a health coach, I relish the opportunities to help people see the alternative. These brave people are able to take the alternative and make it their norm. It’s not easy, but with time, they are able to make it happen. After all, you didn’t get into this unhealthy routine overnight. It took years of practice to master these bad habits. There is no reason that you can’t master new habits and change your life. It’s all in the routine. Which one are you in? Is it the one you want?