Change

What does it take to truly change? I am referring to those big changes in life, such as breaking a bad habit, starting a good habit, or mastering something that is difficult.

At work I see students who want to change. This semester they are going to get good grades. They have a plan. Now that it is the end of the semester, some are coming back to the advising center to withdraw from one or all their classes. They are not getting the good grades; change is much harder than they expected. (Also, sometimes outside influences can prevent change.)

I also find (long-term) change difficult. For years I have wanted to lose weight. I know what I need to do: eat healthier and exercise (burn more calories than I consume). This sounds so simple! Yet, I struggle to make this change for a long period of time.

I have started exercising, but not without help and a financial commitment. I have been working with a personal trainer since late November to make exercise a regular part of my life. I go to the gym three to four times a week. Some days I do not want to go, but knowing that I am paying for a personal trainer keeps me going. I am not a celebrity, so I cannot have a personal trainer forever. Soon I will phase out the personal training. Have I changed? Will I continue to go to the gym three to four times a week without a set appointment with the personal trainer? I hope so! Thanks to Rita I have learned a lot about exercise and enjoy it more.

Next I want to change my eating habits...