LifeStarts WLS
Thursday Thought-Your next "Streak"
Start a Small Streak
Public Streaking Encouraged
-- By Mike Kramer, Staff Writer SparkPeople
http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/motivation_articles.asp?id=88
From your first Fast Break to quick and easy exercise ideas, the SparkPeople program relies heavily on the power of consistency. More than anything else, it emphasizes the idea of creating (or breaking) new habits through small actions over time.
Consistency can be helpful, but it can also be motivating. When it takes the form of a streak, consistency is an underrated way to get your blood pumping again. Keeping a streak alive, even for a short time, is an instant power boost. It breeds confidence, builds momentum and puts you on the winning side again if you’re starting to feel yourself slide.
Some people gravitate toward streaks. They get a rush out of seeing how long they can go without drinking soda and a sense of accomplishment from exercising for 60 days in a row. These people do well with daily streaks.
Other people are a little more wary of streaks. The idea of doing something every day can be intimidating and stressful to some. That’s okay. We’ve found that these people can still benefit by trying a weekly streak, as in "I will walk 3 times a week every week for 20 weeks."
If you’re feeling a little unmotivated, or you want to give your program a jumpstart, or if you just want to set a challenge for yourself, choose a small streak today and add it to your program. The more consistent you can be, the more results you'll see!
Some pointers on starting your own streak:
*Set a goal for your streak. A specific number is more clear and often more motivating than leaving it open-ended.
*If you break your streak, don’t get discouraged. Just try to outdo yourself next time. Streaks aren’t about perfection. They’re about doing better.
*Remember to reward yourself along the way as you reach streak milestones, and especially when you reach your goal or personal best streak.
*Streak in public. Just by telling others what your streak is, you create some positive peer pressure to follow through. Plus it gives others the opportunity to help.
*Start off with something you know you can succeed with, but don’t already do regularly. Think of a small habit you’d like to make or break.
Share with us what your next "Streak" will be~
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