Create and Practice Your Fitness Mission

HEALTHY LIVING HABIT #20

 

KEY POINTS:

  • Your mission statement is a clear statement of purpose that describes:

    • Who you are and would like to be;

    • What matters to you right now; and

    • Where you would like to go.
       

  • Having a strong, meaningful mission statement helps you make decisions and stay on track. It brings clarity to confusion.

  • This habit will work on building your intrinsic motivation — i.e. motivation that comes from your inner self and deeper values, rather than always thinking about “following the rules” or getting external approval.

  • You will develop a mission statement related to your health, fitness, and nutrition over the course of the next two weeks.

  • Of course, this mission statement will also reflect important identities, values, and priorities elsewhere in your lives, such as being a parent, doing good in the world, learning new things, etc.

  • This can be challenging if it is difficult for you to focus and set clear goals.

  • If you are excited about defining your own path, you may find this habit to be more simple.

 

How to be successful with this habit:

  • Understand that a strong mission statement helps you make wise decisions, move forward confidently, and live in a way that is meaningful to YOU. This is YOUR adventure, no one else’s.

  • Intrinsic motivation helps to keep you focused, committed, and enjoying the process itself.

  • Intrinsic motivation is a “pull” towards something we value and want, rather than a “push” away from something we don’t want.

  • Don’t feel rushed! If something doesn’t come to you right away, do not stress about it. When you have a moment to relax and think about it, jot down some ideas that come to mind. Then slowly formulate this into your own, unique mission statement!

  • The purpose of practicing this habit for 2 weeks is to think consciously about what a meaningful health, fitness, and/or nutrition-related mission statement is for YOU.

  • We will work together to help you fine-tune your mission statement, so don’t worry if you get stuck!

  • As you become more confident in the mission statement you have created for yourself, see how closely it aligns with your behaviors and actions. Keep your mission statement in a place where you can read it every day!