On failure
Failure in business is often viewed as an opportunity to learn something. On failure with eating and exercise, however, we need to determine how we can use that experience to help our future journey.
A perceived failure is often due to triggering events. In order to overcome these obstacles, you first must understand what the trigger is and if it is likely to spur an action. One great example of this is tempting foods at a holiday cookout. The atmosphere, people, sights, and smells can all be triggering. After all, in this environment, it feels good to eat these foods. It can affect your emotions by triggering a reward sensation.
So what can you do to break this cycle? The first option is to get rid of the trigger or avoid it entirely. This is the easiest method, though it’s not always doable. If it’s not doable, you can try to change or swap out the action. You must prepare and plan to do something else. In the example of the holiday cookout, perhaps you bring a salad or your own healthy foods to share and eat. Others may threaten to jeopardize your ability to break the cycle. They may question your actions or make comments. Recognize that you don’t need to be apologetic or answer to them. Find anchors, other people who are in a similar situation as you, to help pull you out of the cycle.
On failure, you can overcome threats to your success by getting to know yourself, those around you, and how they will affect the cycle. If you slip, don’t beat yourself up. It’s one day. Remember, you haven’t failed unless you quit entirely. You have the power to change what you do next. Take steps to avoid your triggers or change the action, and you will find yourself back on the right track.
