Tantrums & Tricks

This article will review the four stages involved in transformations, the importance of working through the third stage, and how to avoid cycling through the stages repeatedly.

Stage 1: Tension

We may feel annoyed or frustrated about some aspect of our lives and know we want to make changes. However, we may feel ‘stuck’ in this problem and not know how to fix it.

Stage 2: Transition

We have taken the first steps, and the changes are starting to happen.

Stage 3: Tantrums & Tricks

This is when self-sabotage pops up. 

Here’s an example of a tantrum: “I know going to bed 8 hours before I have to get up will support goals, but I don’t want to go to bed, so I’m not going to.”

Here’s an example of a trick: “If I pour myself a second glass of wine without thinking about it too much, I can ignore that I intended to have just one.”

Stage 4: Transformation

This is reaching the result you want!  

Here’s the thing. Many of us find ourselves cycling through the first three stages over and over. We give into tantrums and tricks and return to the tension stage.  And it takes a toll.

So, what should you do? 

Notice what’s happening when you are struggling. Is it a tantrum or a trick?  Do you need to swap your strategies to move forward? 

Your strategies can revolve around food or movement, but thought strategies are often most effective in getting you out of the cycling and into Stage 4. 

Some of the most effective strategies we use in our nutrition programs to get us out of the cycle and into Stage 4 are the following:

• Take Imperfect Action

• Gently Keep Going

• Plan with Precision, Execute with Flexibility

• Think Like a Scientist

Are you in a stage of transformation right now? If so, which one?