I know what it's like...

I know what it’s like to fall off the wagon on a good habit. My downfall is finding time to write. I love the idea of writing, but often make many of the same excuses you might expect of someone avoiding the gym or cooking dinner – I’m tired, there’s no time, it’s too hard.

I’m lucky that I happen to love the feeling of eating real, wholesome foods (processed foods make me think of pencil shavings thanks to my favorite childhood author). I also happen to love getting a good workout. Both make me feel great, and I’m thankful that I love doing both because it helps me live a healthy active life.

But writing – boy, it’s tough to get started. I often compose the beginnings of essays or blog posts in my head that never make it to page (or screen, as it were). I also have a lot of hang-ups about my (insert your healthy habit) writing. But once I get started, I am always happy that I made the time to do it.

There’s just about nothing worse than a writer talking about writing, so I’ll get back to my point, which is this: I know what it’s like to struggle with doing something I know is good for me. And it makes me sympathize with anyone striving to eat better or find time for a workout. Today, I have one tip for success for you, and this one tip is what got me started writing (writing again, at last!) this post in the first place (proof that it works).

Harness Your Inner Winner

OK, that sounds a little hokey, even to me. What do I mean? (Not  this). Simply this: think about something you’re already good at. And no excuses – I bet you are GREAT at something. Maybe you’re great at washing the dishes right after a meal, reading the news every day, tying your shoes in this cool efficient way, calling your family regularly, hula hooping, or being a general mise en place badass and aptly juggling picking up the kids, doing laundry, getting your mail and a million other little things. If you’re good at something, acknowledge it. Then use it. What makes you successful in the things you’re good at? How can you use those lessons to tackle a Meatless Monday, salad for lunch, or a post-workday workout?

For me, I know that when I do something good for myself, I feel good. I love that feeling. I’m good at being active and eating right. So I told myself, “What’s the holdup? You know how to get things done. It doesn’t have to be perfect the first time out. It’s a process. You know it’ll feel good. Go do it. It’s important. Do it.” And well, here I am.

Tell me how you harness your inner winner – I’m dying to know how you do it.