Back On Track Together
Building a Network for Success.
Building Your Network for Success
While much of the work to make your weight-loss program succeed is up to you, finding proper support can certainly improve your chances for success. Think about the following descriptions, and then for each one, name one or more people in your life who could play that role in your "support network":
The Listener and Guide:
Someone who will listen when you need it and can give advice when appropriate without being judgmental.
The Kindred Spirit:
Someone who is "on the same wavelength" as you and shares experiences similar to your own.
The Helper: Someone who can lend a hand in practical ways, such as taking on a chore like shopping or watching the kids so you can have time to work out.
The Partner:
Someone who will exercise or make other lifestyle changes with you.
The Motivator:
Someone who will cheer on your successes and help you look on the bright side during rough patches.
The Soul Mate:
Someone who knows you, understands you, and has your physical and emotional well-being at heart.
The Expert:
A professional you can turn to for technical advice on exercise, nutrition, health concerns, and breaking old habits. Experts who may help include personal trainers (look for a trainer who has an exercise-related degree and certification from the American College of Sports Medicine or the American Council on Exercise), dietitians, and qualified health-care providers.
Remember, always be as clear and specific as possible when requesting help from your support network. Instead of a vague request like, "Can you help me lose weight?" try saying, "Can you watch the kids on Monday and Wednesday evenings from six to seven so I can join an exercise class?" or "Will you help me shop for and prepare healthy dinners three nights a week, so I can cut back on going out to eat?" The better you communicate exactly how the members of your network can help, the more supportive they can be.
While much of the work to make your weight-loss program succeed is up to you, finding proper support can certainly improve your chances for success. Think about the following descriptions, and then for each one, name one or more people in your life who could play that role in your "support network":
The Listener and Guide:
Someone who will listen when you need it and can give advice when appropriate without being judgmental.
The Kindred Spirit:
Someone who is "on the same wavelength" as you and shares experiences similar to your own.
The Helper: Someone who can lend a hand in practical ways, such as taking on a chore like shopping or watching the kids so you can have time to work out.
The Partner:
Someone who will exercise or make other lifestyle changes with you.
The Motivator:
Someone who will cheer on your successes and help you look on the bright side during rough patches.
The Soul Mate:
Someone who knows you, understands you, and has your physical and emotional well-being at heart.
The Expert:
A professional you can turn to for technical advice on exercise, nutrition, health concerns, and breaking old habits. Experts who may help include personal trainers (look for a trainer who has an exercise-related degree and certification from the American College of Sports Medicine or the American Council on Exercise), dietitians, and qualified health-care providers.
Remember, always be as clear and specific as possible when requesting help from your support network. Instead of a vague request like, "Can you help me lose weight?" try saying, "Can you watch the kids on Monday and Wednesday evenings from six to seven so I can join an exercise class?" or "Will you help me shop for and prepare healthy dinners three nights a week, so I can cut back on going out to eat?" The better you communicate exactly how the members of your network can help, the more supportive they can be.
HW 611 Pre-opW 580 LW 302 GW 238
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Cathy W.
Group Leader
Kathy S.
Moderator