CHAPTER 9

Creating A Supportive Network

The above words, written by the Apostle Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians, were not penned in the context of exercise or nutrition but they could have been. The people that you surround yourself with, your network, will be critical in ensuring that your wellness and weight management program is a success. Hang with negative people, those who are not on board with your goals, who show little interest in bettering themselves and who are not displaying balance in their own lives, and all of your hard work, your useful habits, will be in jeopardy of being spoilt. This is especially important in the first 3 months of starting your wellness management plan. During this initial period you are learning new behaviours. Nothing is habitual yet. You are in danger of reverting back to your old, comfortable ways. There is always the danger that you will indulge in self-sabotaging behaviour that will hold you back. Support is critical.

Here are 7 ways that you can create and cultivate a supportive network.

1. Make Yourself Accountable: By sharing your goals with other people you make yourself accountable. You can bet that next time you meet up they’ll ask how that goal is coming along. Ask for specific support such as enquiring about how your nutritional plan is going or how many reps you’re getting on the bench press. Sharing your weight management goals can also be a great way to grow your social network.
2. Surround Yourself With Active People: It is a human tendency to mimic the actions of those around us and when we are in the company of people who have a lot of self control, our own self control is increased. So surround yourself with people who are invigorated, active and goal orientated.
3. Get Socially Active: Look for ways to make your social life more active. Team up for a bicycle ride, a game of basketball, a trip to the zoo or a walk to the top of a local mountain trail. Try them and discover how much more rewarding they are than popcorn and a movie.
4. Find Instrumental Support: Among your network of supportive friends and family, tap into people who are available and happy to provide practical support to help you achieve your weight management goals. Someone who can provide an occasional lift to the gym or take care of the kids while you go for a run can make all the difference in the world.
5. Find Informational Support: Find respected certified personal trainers, gym staff or medical professionals who can provide you with reliable, dependable information relevant to your wellness management goals.
6. Find Online Support: Join an online wellness community. You’ll be able to share your food and exercise experiences and receive positive feedback from like-minded people who are going through the same experiences as you are.
7. Join a Group Fitness Class: This is a great way to increase your social circle of fitness-minded peers. It’s also a terrific way to get and stay motivated during your workout.