Hi there,
Welcome back to “Hey Coach Darren” – the advice column where I’ll be sharing my top three tips on a different topic each week, inspired by real-life scenarios from our current members (and you)!
As the summer winds down, many of us are preparing for the whirlwind of back-to-school routines, Labor Day festivities, and the excitement of football season. With so much change on the horizon, it’s easy to worry about maintaining the progress you’ve made over the earlier parts of the year.
Such were the exact sentiments of this FitTRAC member who, while they’re excited about many of the upcoming changes, knows they’ll bring difficulties with maintaining her health and fitness progress. Check out her question:
“Hey Coach Darren, I’ve worked really hard over the summer and made substantial progress in my fitness journey. However, I’m really concerned that with the kids going back to school, Labor Day coming up, and the start of football season, I’ll end up undoing all of my hard work.
My husband loves to host social events around football games, which usually means a lot of food and drinks too!
With so many social events, changes in my routine, and the added stress of managing everything, how can I stay on track and not lose the progress I’ve worked so hard to achieve?”
Thanks for that questions – this is a common worry, especially when life gets busier. But with a little planning and the right mindset, you can maintain your momentum. Here are three tips to help you stay on track during this transitional period:
Prioritize Your Non-Negotiables: As your schedule changes, it’s essential to identify the key habits that have driven your success and make them non-negotiable.
Whether it’s your morning workout, meal prepping on Sundays, or a daily walk, choose one or two habits that you can commit to no matter what. Even if other parts of your routine shift, these non-negotiables will serve as your anchor, helping you stay consistent and maintain your progress.
Remember, it’s better to do something small consistently than to strive for perfection and risk burnout.
Embrace Flexibility and Adaptation, and Don’t Be Afraid to Say ‘No’: Life is unpredictable, especially during times of change. Instead of rigidly sticking to your summer routine, embrace a more flexible approach (while maintaining your non-negotiables mentioned above).
Maybe you adjust your workout schedule to fit around school drop-offs, evening football games, or your husband’s social gatherings. Or if social events are on the calendar, plan lighter meals throughout the day or get in a quick workout beforehand.
By adapting your routine to fit your new lifestyle, you’ll find it easier to keep up with your goals without feeling overwhelmed. Flexibility isn’t about doing less; it’s about finding new ways to stay consistent.
As life gets busier, it’s okay to say no to some social events or commitments if they feel overwhelming or if they conflict with your health priorities too. It’s important to recognize that your time and energy are valuable, and sometimes prioritizing your well-being means politely declining an invitation.
This doesn’t mean you have to skip out on fun entirely, but rather that you should be selective about which events you attend and how often. Protecting your time for self-care and fitness can help you stay balanced and maintain the progress you’ve worked so hard for.
Keep Your Goals in Sight: During busy times, it’s easy to lose sight of why you started. Revisit your goals regularly to remind yourself of the progress you’ve made and where you want to go. Set small, achievable goals for the upcoming weeks, like maintaining your current weight or committing to three workouts a week, and celebrate each victory, no matter how small.
Keeping your goals front and center will help you stay motivated and committed, even when your schedule is packed. Visual reminders, like a vision board or journaling, can also reinforce your commitment during hectic times.
Maintaining progress during times of change is all about prioritizing what’s most important, staying flexible, and keeping your goals in focus. I hope these strategies will help you continue moving forward, even when life gets hectic.
Stay tuned for next week’s “Hey Coach Darren” where I’ll be sharing more valuable tips to help you become happier, healthier, and stronger.
Stronger Together,
Coach Darren