Here I go again….I recently spoke with parents and athletes about making better choices for nutrition. When I mention certain foods to eat, the unanimous answer is “But I don’t like it.” This statement bothers me and I really do not understand it. The reason it bothers me is because I hate seeing people getting sick, developing diseases, feeling tired, becoming over weight, losing confidence, and being less productive in all areas of their life. A simple change in nutrition can make all the difference.

What frightens me the most is that people are so accepting of poor health. To the majority of people it is common and normal to take medication, go to the doctor’s office, or feeling bad. This is upsetting to me. I believe most people would rather go through the hassle of treating their sickness than preventing it.

Change is difficult, but the perception of change is what makes it so hard. From a young child we are taught certain things that don’t invite the philosophy of change. We are taught to follow the traditions set for us…don’t color outside the lines or you are bad. When someone says to me, “Yuk, I don’t like the taste of it”, they immediately shut off any chance of changing their behavior toward the new food even if the food is vital to their health and well being.

People are not willing to go through a few days of adjustment periods to create a new healthy habit. If you analyze this situation, it is not a physical issue we are dealing with. It is a mental issue. As coaches and trainers, we have to alter behaviors toward change. We have to enlighten others to the fact that having small periods of discomfort or dislike is normal and perfectly acceptable. We have to challenge them to imagine the possibilities of what can be if they change. Holding them to their dreams and goals comes not as much from a physical effort but a mental persistence.

How can we do this? We have to conquer their fears or reasons for not willing to change. We have to show them how great it is on the side of change. We have to let them know that change is good. And we have to let them know working toward something isn’t always easy and that’s OK. The results are worth it.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this. If we don’t work together to make change a good thing, it is going to be a discouraging picture in the near future.

P.S. – A few years ago I wrote a book for my athletes, but later realized it had a far greater impact on adults. I would love to share this book with you….go to www.ChampionshipAttitude.com and get a copy for you and for the people you care about.

P.S.S. – Sometimes it is something as simple a reading positive message to trigger change….www.ChampionshipAttitude.com