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You know the feeling. As soon as you announce your plans to lead a healthier lifestyle they come crawling out of the woodwork. The dream snatchers. The people who, for reasons maybe not really even known to themselves, trash your plans, stamp on your vision and destroy your still fragile confidence. They rain (nay, pour) on your parade. Why? Well, it's usually for one of two main reasons:1. Fear of the unknown People are threatened by your plans to change. They know you, the entity (albeit overweight) of you is reassuring, comforting and consistent. People crave certainty. What will happen if you emerge like a butterfly from a cocoon? Who knows? 2. Concern...for themselves Your drive to create a different life for yourself is mighty unsettling. It dumps a great, big question mark over everyone around you and prompts them to examine their own life choices and often opens up the disturbing possibility that the life they currently have is not the one they want. "You're going to lose a stone? You'll never do that! You know you love your food – and you'll have to exercise. Oh, you won't stick to that. You know the weight always goes back on. Why put yourself through the misery?" Why, indeed. How on earth can you handle all this barrage of resistence and stay on track with the exciting yet challenging plans you have for yourself? First of all, be very selective about sharing your plans. If you suspect that someone will react badly then you're probably right so – don't tell them. At least, not at first. You see once you put your plan into action, once you start to experience weight loss, increased fitness levels and vitality then of course it will become obvious to those around you that 'something's going on here'. However, now your plans will have momentum, results and direction and the dream snatchers will have a much harder task of deflecting you. From fragile to fabulous. There are certain instances when selectively sharing your plans can be beneficial. We often experience heightened commitment towards our goals when we are accountable. You've told 'em so they'll be watchin'! Great idea – just avoid choosing a dream snatcher as your confidante! You know (or strongly suspect) who they are.
And if you're one of those people who simply loves to prove others wrong then letting a dream snatcher in on your secret may actually work in your favour. If their endless protestations stoke up your fires of motivation and resolve – then, by all means, use them! Just make your plan, make a start and make a life. So – shhh – just between you and me – what are you up to? |
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