Don’t fall into the complacency trap

Developing and cementing a new lifestyle habit can be a very powerful change in our life but sometimes there is a danger of falling into the complacency trap once an action has become automatic.

This could be someone who hopes that the same muscle and strength can be maintained by reducing their gym sessions from three to two each week. Perhaps hoping that the same body fat levels can be maintained by reducing walking distance and having a few more treats. Or perhaps hoping that the same positive mental health outlook can be maintained by staying up later, reducing sleep time and drinking a little more alcohol.

Once a new positive lifestyle habit is developed it is really important that we periodically review our progress and look out for complacency seeping in. Sometimes we can lose sight of how we achieved those desired outcomes in the first place and assume that things will now be easier to maintain.

Therefore monitoring our progress and reviewing our approach is key to maintaining our focus on why we started in the first place.

Top performers in all fields engage in some type of reflection and the process does not have to be complicated or time consuming. Some of you may remember Nicola McDermott, the Australian high jumper from this year’s Olympics in Tokyo, who scores the various components of every jump out of 10 immediately afterwards. This immediate review allows her to focus on where she can improve for the next attempt and fine tune her execution. This led to a silver medal and a personal best jump at the most important time.

Now I’m not saying you should review every gym session or walk but perhaps every three months we could take some time over a cuppa and think about the following questions.

What has been working well and what have I been able to maintain? What has not gone so well and needs some special attention?

What have I learned?

This may just prevent a gradual slide which can happen when we don’t pay attention to things moving in reverse. Don’t over analyse, it is a bit like looking at yourself in the mirror.

If we stand too close we see every flaw and imperfection and this excessive feedback can cause us to lose sight of the bigger picture. Not looking at the mirror at all or glancing from far away means you may miss easily fixable or preventable problems. Standing at a conversational distance allows us to notice the obvious issues without losing sight of the bigger picture. The bigger picture being the sort of person and identity that you targeted in the first place.

For the full message go to the free resource section on the lornhealthyoptions.co.uk website.

Rob Graham, Lead Exercise Professional, Healthy Options.