What makes you tick?
If you are attempting to change diet and exercise habits then you need to work with who you are. You don't need to blindly follow someone else's mandate.
Recent research identified three different thinking styles and some relevant strategies to apply.
Thought Style: Comfort
You can see many choices; you like structure, and look at the fairness and harmony of your actions for others.
| You Tend To... | Tips |
- Look for alternatives.
- Gather lots of information assess a situation.
- Procrastinate
- Want fairness and harmony for all.
| - Fit a range of health goals into your everyday life, and remind yourself of them regularly and give them time to work.
- Change your habits bit by bit.
- Commit to a sporting team.
- Plan ahead and identify obstacles to eating and exercise goals.
|
Thought Style: Achievement
You are task and rules oriented; you like to focus on getting a result and will concentrate to achieve it.
| You Tend To... | Tips |
- Develop skills to succeed at a task.
- Work best with clear instructions.
- Be determined and seek ways to 'fix it'.
- Be happy working alone.
| - Create friendly competition with a fellow exerciser/health eater.
- Have a specific plan to work towards.
- Challenge your personal best or get a supporter to issue a challenge.
- Make a written agreement with yourself.
|
Thought Style: Approval
You are aware of social interactions and others feelings, and tend to be focussed on short-term goals..
| You Tend To... | Tips |
- Get disheartened by the long-term consequences of your behavior.
- Be caring and like social contact.
- Want people to like you.
| - Set short-term goals.
- remove temptations and create personal rewards.
- Look to others to inspire and support.
- Find an exercise or healthy eating buddy.
- Monitor your progress in a diary
|
These tips have been printed with explicit permission from the Australian Psychology Association.
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Excellent. I think too much of the health information 'out there' focuses on the 'what' and 'why' and not enough on the 'how'. I think I can see a bit of myself in all three groups :)
ReplyGreat post with handy advice. What you say about planning is important. I have made something at www.bitesoftware.com which can help people plan to eat healthy. Wonder what you think of it. Does it help any other readers?
ReplyI'm definitely the "achievement" style thinker. I make spreadsheets to log how many miles I run, I constantly challenge myself to be better than, well, myself. I love setting goals for myself and I am very disciplined when it comes to most tasks. I did indeed set a goal for myself...I ran a marathon in October. Now I have to set another good goal for myself to keep up the motivation.
ReplyI am a blend of the three: I like like minded people
ReplyBut I also like goals, doing my own exercise and gathering information.
I think just like most things in life you need to set yourself a target for something. And obviously you need to stick to it as well lol!
ReplyInteresting post, reminds me a little of the Kolbe Conative styles (fact gatherer, quick start etc). I wonder how they classify people who go at it ad hoc, think it's a good idea at the time but don't have the first idea how to do it - possibly "approval" seeking.
ReplyI agree making a lasting change is all about creating what a "fit personality"...we live in a society where everyone wants to lose weight fast..and this is not the long term solution. Defining how you are is a great approach..everyone needs to find what works for them. - Heatherpicken.com
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