I think the answer to this is sometimes yes and sometimes no. But when dealing with your health and wellness the answer is always yes. When I work with people I ask them to take an inventory of their environment. Their support system, the distractions, the diet, exercise routine and the dreaded weight if that’s what we’re working on. You can’t really know what you’re working with and how to fix it until you take a minute to look at what you’re working with.
Show me what you’re working with!!!
Often this look in the mirror is difficult. We lie to ourselves and to others about our situations. We come up with different versions of the truth to suit our mood or circumstances because it can make us feel better. But what benefit is that really?
When you work with a financial advisor you have an initial consult to understand your financial goals but also your current financial situation to understand what you’re working with to build a plan, a tailored plan, to help you achieve your financial goals. You have to get out the spreadsheets, the calculator, the receipts and statements. You have to get real. It isn’t pretty but you have to do it so you and your advisor know the truth, so you can build the right plan to achieve your goals. The same goes in health. You have to look at the weight, body composition, sleep and diet habits to get to the core of your issues and how that shapes your day to day, today. It isn’t helpful to you or to your coach/advisor if you lie or cover up habits. Don’t worry, it would come out anyway when it’s time to look at your results.
You know on the weight loss shows where the person has the opportunity of a lifetime to work with a world class trainer, then has the meltdown a few weeks in because they aren’t losing the weight, they’re an emotional wreck and they’re blaming the trainer for not doing enough? Then the secret video footage comes out with them binging on ice cream and pizza at 3am because that’s what they’re used to. Yeah, that! It comes down to being honest and taking ownership for your current circumstance and taking responsibility for your part in where you are today. It’s not pointing a finger, it’s saying, “you know, I am the reason I am here and I am the one who can get me out.” Plain and simple.
I’m doing an inventory for myself right now. I do this periodically or when things feel particularly off. Here are some of the questions I'm asking:
- Am I allowing my body to move enough?
- Am I fueling my body so it has what it needs to perform when I move?
- Am I getting enough sleep to reset and process?
- Am I giving myself the space for self care and respecting what that looks like when I do it?
- Am I honoring my energy and boundaries in everything I do?
These are all things I’m asking myself now and I encourage you to do the same. If you aren’t sure how to do this or where to start, I’m happy to help you in your journey. As a trainer, coach, and healer I ask people to do all of these things, but I can’t ask others to do it if I’m not doing them myself.
So if you aren’t where you want to be or think you should be, take inventory to see what’s off and what’s possible to change. But don’t forget, honesty is your friend here.