Maintaining Consistency in the Face of Changing Circumstances

At the moment, I am making a concerted effort to live a healthier life—less drinking, healthier eating, and consistent exercise. Under “normal” circumstances, I can do that without too much temptation—typical working days, going to bed at a consistent time, and managing my energy. But when there’s a celebratory mood, or we have people over, or during a vacation or the holidays, the temptations are much more significant, and the rationalizations are easier. 

An exploration of approaches

How can I live a consistent lifestyle while the circumstances of my life are constantly in flux? Unlike many of the challenges I write about in my posts, this is a question to which I have yet to find a reliable answer, so these ideas are more of an exploration. My problems stem from an addictive personality regarding my eating and drinking. Consistent exercise, thankfully, is easier for me. I know this goal is a challenge for many people, so this is an example of one person’s struggle and effort to overcome the challenges I face. 

Intentionality as a starting point

I write about being intentional regularly, and I firmly believe that intentionality will be part of any solution to this challenge. Part of the challenge to live a healthy life is arbitrary habits regarding health. For me, this takes the form of mindless eating and drinking. It’s so easy for me to graze when I watch TV or throughout the day, particularly if I’m bored. Being intentional in this context involves being specific about what I eat and drink and how often I exercise. 

I have a good sense of my goals, and I have put together a feasible and effective plan if I can implement it. It involves primarily healthy foods but not depriving myself of foods I love. It involves limits regarding calories (through macronutrients) but flexibility in how I hit my limits. It involves weekly and daily limits on drinking but flexibility on when I drink within those limits. 

I also have to be intentional about the barriers I face and the compulsions I feel. My rationalization voice is loud and insistent. But I know the path I must take to be the healthier person I want to be. That part of my solution to this challenge is solid. It’s the execution in the face of my compulsions that’s difficult.

Self-honesty

One of the most essential elements of my path is self-honesty. I rationalize behavior that’s inconsistent with my goals. And although I’m pretty good at recognizing when I rationalize, I often let my rationalizations get the better of me. My rationalizations often happen during celebratory or challenging circumstances of my life. My rationalizations can take a variety of forms:

• This is a celebration so I can take a break from my healthy habits.
• Hey, we’re on vacation. Let’s live a little.
• It’s the holidays; it’s okay to eat fun foods.
• Today was a tough day; one more drink won’t hurt.

The trouble with most of my rationalizations is that they all contain a kernel of truth. 

• TRUTH: It is okay to have some bubbly to celebrate a milestone. BUT it can’t turn into a night of heavy drinking.
• TRUTH: Vacations can be a time to have some different foods. BUT they can’t turn into a binge
• TRUTH: Eating a few Christmas cookies is not a failure of my plan. BUT eating ten each day is.
• TRUTH: Yes, today was challenging. BUT drinking won’t help and will lead to more drinking.

The rationalizations are not dangerous in terms of the initial ideas; they are dangerous in the uncontrolled behavior they invariably lead to. So, getting back to intentionality, it’s essential to build some flexibility into any plan for these circumstances; I want a plan flexible enough to be feasible. 

It may seem counterintuitive to create a plan for healthy habits and allow flexibility in different circumstances. But I’m never going to be, nor would I want to be, someone who never indulges. If my wife makes a banana cream pie for my birthday, I’m damn well going to eat 2-3 slices over a period of days. I’m definitely going to eat some chocolate out of the box for the holidays. I am going to decrease or alter my exercise regime during vacations. The solution is intentionally building flexibility into the plan that allows for periodic indulgences. 

Motivation

The path to my healthier life can’t just be about behavior modification. I have to have a reason to take my path. Self-honesty is also essential here, so I must comprehensively understand why I want to lead a healthier life. My reasons for wanting to have healthier habits are broad. 

• A high quality of life. All the change I want relates to being healthier and having a good quality of life. That is a foundational goal. 
• Mental sharpness and creativity. I want to be mentally sharp and creative, for which healthy habits are vital. I’ve been drinking too much most of my life, and when I can moderate the amount I drink, I really notice the change in my mental clarity and creative output.
• Long-term health. I want to have the ability to engage in active, fun activities in the long term. For me, these include biking, hiking, and tennis. If my steps to achieve this goal are fun and active, it’s a win-win.
• I want to look good. Here’s where self-honesty comes into play. My other goals are solid and even virtuous. But this goal might be considered shallow and vain. But it’s honest, and I’m okay with a bit of vanity in my life.

I’ve struggled with eating and drinking my whole life. Maintaining a consistent healthy level of each while leading an active life has always been a challenge, particularly in the face of changing circumstances. But I’m very serious about my goals, and the fact is that I’m happier, more productive, and a better version of myself when I am achieving these goals. 

Consistency is hard, but failing to lead the life I want is harder. The solution is to keep my eyes on the prize and focus on a healthier me (with a little bubbly thrown in for good measure).

Artwork by  Benjavisa Ruangvaree