The False Start

Often when we set out to make changes in our diet and fitness we begin with renewed energy and hope. We dive right into a goal and then get dismayed at the first sign of trouble. When beginning a new program, starting a new habit or changing and old habit it is important to keep in mind that you may have some initial resistance to the change. Be prepared for a false start. Remember that old adage, “If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again.”

This week I started day one of my program on April 1, 2014. I was supposed to eat a larabar and some fresh fruit for breakfast and lunch, eat a turkey sandwich with some yogurt for dinner and have zero snacks. On this first day of my program I was super busy at work, tired from a long work week in which I had not had a day off in 8 days. Normally when I am beat my response is to eat junk food at night. So even though my house was free of all junk food I still managed to ask my husband to go purchase some junk for me at the late hour of 10 pm. I ended up binge eating the junk food. I felt so terrible physically, and had the worse indigestion ever. I was up until 2 am in agony. Sure I had managed to follow my plan up for the entire day until 10 pm when I caved.

The next day I had a choice. I could wallow in self-defeat and throw in the towel or I could resolve to try again on day 2 of my program. There is something about the false start, almost like I have to fail on day one, so that I know I am really trying. Failing on day 1 takes the pressure off day 2. I can only get better from here. I don’t have to worry about making a mistake, because I already made one.

If you are starting a new fitness, diet program, changing a bad habit or starting a new habit be aware that you may have a false start. Your day one might not go so well, it might take you until day  2, 3, or even day 10 for your resistance to change to break down. Do not give up on yourself and keep trying!

CLM