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A new year often brings the onslaught of what I call “Resolutionists.” These are people who are keen to get started on a new healthy path. Often after a few months of enthusiasm they taper off and sink back in to their old habits. Why can’t people stick with it? Creating a habit takes time, practice and energy. It takes time, practice and energy to be unhealthy. This means old habits often creep back in. We have to use our time and energy to help our clients practice good habits. How can we encourage our clients to successful and realistic in order to create better habits?

Be Realistic: The time it takes for someone to be unhealthy is the time it takes to become healthy. The biggest mistake is thinking you’re going to overhaul a life time of bad habits in three months. It’s not going to happen! Help set short term goals. Three months is a reasonable amount of time to help get your client in to an active routine.

You are What you Eat: Setting your client on a healthier eating routine requires making gradual changes. Keep in mind your clients’ individual needs. Focus on creating a realistic timeline. Nutritional habits affect energy levels, sleep habits and sense of well being. This is a lifestyle change. It’ll take time and consistency to get it right.

The “Will” to Try:  The only person responsible for acting on these changes is your client. Fostering and nurturing change means you have to encourage and support your client. We must encourage their desire to try and set attainable goals that allow for growth and success.

            This is a long term lifestyle change and requires time and energy to get right. Changing someone’s lifestyle doesn’t happen overnight. Setting realistic goals and positive encouragement will help your client succeed.