Changing our behaviors isn’t always easy. Heck, if it was easy we would all be the weight we desired, have muscles wherever we desired, quit tobacco in a snap, and never procrastinate.
But that’s not how life goes, right?
I’m reflecting because I just finished grading my last semester’s worth of student’s Personal Wellness Projects. Every semester (for the last 5 1/2 years), I have nearly 200 students per semester create personal wellness projects in order to focus on a health behavior or attitude they would like to change. And every semester I am blown away.
The project is based on theory. Of all the behavior change theories, we based this particular project on the TransTheoretical Model by James Prochaska, otherwise known as Stages of Change. {link here for more info}
Each student personalizes their project, and the project lasts the entire semester. I help them modify or refine their goal so it’s realistic and appropriate for them. It’s personal between the student and I, as it’s not shared with everyone in class.
Each student and I process through many different steps to outline the plan. But by the end of the semester, I’m always blown away. And this semester is no different.
This semester there are numerous, numerous students who are healthier in various ways. Here are a few popular examples…
Eating healthier– i.e. 1-2 additional servings of fruits/vegetables each day, eliminating dessert or replacing it with a healthier option, drinking more water, desire to gain/lose weight, and/or refining their portion sizes at meals
Moving more- Maybe they want to gain/lose weight, modify their workout intensities or duration at the gym, or maybe adjust their frequency of movement.
Tobacco- This one happens every semester and I love it. Several students every semester will quit tobacco use; typically either cigarettes or smokeless tobacco. This semester I had students quit, and also some who reduced their usage.
Spiritual growth- I love how some students are focusing on personal growth. Goals may vary between reading devotionals, meditation, investing more in worship, reading the bible, serving others, etc.
Time management- This should come to no surprise as adjusting to college life is a major shift in managing time. Just like adjusting from 100% college to 100% working full time could be a major shift in managing time. Sleeping habits, social life, meetings/commitments, etc.
And our methods of rewards may vary- whether to reward us for motivation along the way, and/or reward at the end of the goal. Some popular things include- Netflix, phone usage, time with family/friends, identifying the toxic situation/environment and changing it, etc.
Here’s the deal- whether we are 19 years old or 45 years old, changing behaviors are still difficult regardless of age. BUT IT CAN BE DONE. It still takes time, commitment, change of habits, support from others, countering our behaviors, along with many many other factors.
The hardest things in life don’t come easy. But it makes them worth it.