Let’s Do This Year Differently. Let’s Think Big!

*This is Part II to my series “Your Path to Wellness”

So, we’re a week or two into the new year. For some, those New Year’s goals may have already ended. Statistically, less than half of you will reach them by the 6 month mark (Norcross, Mrykalo, & Blagys, 2002) Excitement wains quickly once life gets back to normal. And all of the sudden, there goes your motivation. You may be exhausted, work and kids may seem to be overwhelming you, or you’re simply not sure how to get there. Well, let’s get you there this year. We’re doing things differently by switching off the goals…for now. And starting with your vision.

“The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are.” ~unknown

If you haven’t read Part I, please do so. This will help you create your Wellness Vision more vividly. You can read it by clicking here.

For those of you who have read Part I, you will now move on to creating your actual Wellness Vision. Your Wellness Vision, is similar to a business’ mission statement. It will be your guiding light to where you want to go on your wellness journey. Your vision will describe the person you will be.
Looking back your journaling exercise (Part I) and your vision board, I now want you to compile your thoughts and pictures into your vision statement, which should be a few paragraphs.

“Wellness is not the absence of disease or the opposite of illness; wellness is rather the presence of well-being and the culmination of life and health-giving practices.” ~Wellcoaches Manual

As you write your vision, write in the present tense including statements starting with “I am.” Some examples:

• I am strong, lean and feeling youthful.
• I feel in charge of my health because I exercise daily and make time for myself.
• I am cooking healthy meals three times a week with whole foods.
• I breathe deeply because I no longer smoke.
• I love going shopping because I’m 20 lbs lighter.
• When I face challenges, I review…
• I feel energized because I am motivated to make my heath a priority.

Building on your notes and vision board from Part I, your vision should include the picture of who you want to be, your motivators and values, your challenges and how you might get past them, your support system and your determination to succeed. Your vision is a summary statement that you are deeply connected with.

Some traps to avoid when writing out your vision, is to not include goals in it. Avoid sentences that get too specific like:

• I am fitter because I exercise 3x a week.
• I no longer smoke because I attend a support group once a week.
• I eat vegetables nightly so I feel healthier.

Once you have your Wellness Vision complete, print it off and post with your Vision Board. If you have questions, feel free to email me at kwiesmann@inspireonewellness.com.

To recap (Part I), you’ve journaled and created a vision board. Now (Part II), you’ve completed your Wellness Vision.

In Part III of this series, we’ll focus on setting behavior goals to reach your Wellness Vision.

We’ll get this done together! See you for Part III (Goal Setting) on Your Path to Wellness! And, if you want more in-depth coaching, more guidance, feel free to get in touch with me on individual wellness coaching plans.