Monday, Inspired Cindy:

Cindy just started a diet. She feels inspired. She has sworn off chocolate cake (her biggest weakness) this time for good, and she is going to get up early everyday and exercise before the kids get up. She feels really good about herself and her new goals.

Tuesday, Bad Cindy:

Cindy’s too tired to get out of bed this morning to exercise. That’s okay. She’ll do it tomorrow. Surprise! Today is someone’s birthday at work! There’s delicious chocolate cake in the break room. Cindy decides to have a bite because it is so good and she is hungry from missing lunch because her 11:00am meeting ran late. Wow, that cake is good! Cindy has another piece because it is so delicious and she did miss lunch after all. Plus, they are trying to get rid of it so it won’t go to waste, wouldn’t that be a pity! Cindy’s husband called. He has to work late tonight and wants to order pizza for dinner. Why not, Cindy thinks. This day is a wash anyway. She’ll start fresh tomorrow.

Wednesday, Guilty Cindy:

Well, Cindy was too tired again to get up to exercise. She hit the snooze button. Her plans for this week are ruined now especially since she ate all that cake yesterday. That cake Cindy ate is really eating her up!

Thursday, Blaming Cindy:

Cindy feels really bad about the way her week is going and it’s almost over. Her husband wasn’t supportive, her co-workers didn’t help by having that big cake just sitting in the break room and the kids busy after school schedules make it impossible for her to get any exercise. She obviously can’t get up early in the morning to fit it in. Plus, she is supposed to be going out to her favorite restaurant Friday night with some of her friends, she can’t cancel now!

Friday, Out of Control Cindy:

I’ll never be able to change, thinks Cindy. Well at least she will enjoy her dinner tonight maybe she’ll just splurge and really enjoy herself, that should make Cindy feel better! She’ll get inspired again next week…maybe!

If Cindy’s story sounds familiar, maybe it’s time for you to finally breakout of your yo-yo cycle and this time make a change for good. You’re in control here! Listen to yourself and tune into how you talk about how you act. Do you find yourself saying “it’s not my fault” or do you say “I can do it”.

• Enjoy occasional indulgences without guilt. If you overindulge, adjust your intake later in the day or week -- don’t beat yourself up or throw in the towel all together.
• Invest in yourself. Find other ways to feel good about yourself. Hobbies or volunteering can boost your mood.
• Change excuses into take charge statements. . This can take a little practice. But you can do it! Take charge statements express ownership of the problem, realistic perceptions and fairness.
• Schedule non-food treats. Make time for a long chat with a good friend, go to a museum or enjoy an uninterrupted soak in the tub.
• Keep your healthier go-to-food on hand at all times. Figure out something that you really love to eat and that you also feel good about eating. Have this food handy to make it easier to make a good decision even on days when you can’t seem to keep it all together.

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Contract for Change

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