Choice Blog

Setting goals, changing your story and throwing fish

I spent three days of my half term last week at University for a module of my course. It was quite inspirational, and I am so glad I went. We had a session from a Coaching Psychologist, and although we were talking about working with children, I felt it was equally relevant to adults. We talked about setting goals and recognising strengths. We also discussed Solution Based Therapy and working towards something you want or are trying to change. This got me looking at my own life and some of the changes I have made and could make.

About 6 months ago after finding out I had a ‘fatty liver’, I decided to research what I could do about it. Although I thought my diet wasn’t that bad really, when I thought about it, I did enjoy a fair amount of full sugar coke and fatty meals not forgetting a keenness on chocolate. I took a real look at my choices and thought if I just changed a few little things then it would surely help. I decided to boost this change by going sugar free for 3 weeks. I have always had this thing about ‘3 weeks to change anything’ and for me it was 3 weeks to stop smoking in my teens, 3 weeks to stop putting sugar in my coffee in my 20s, 3 weeks to get a new job in my 30s and so on. It seems to work for me this setting a short- term goal for change. Well I did kick my sugar habit and have the odd thing now which is fine I am sure as I wasn’t really trying to go ‘sugar free’ completely. I also started drinking lots of water and realised I was probably dehydrated for about 40 years! The headaches I had at least once a week which I always thought was part of my makeup have gone. I haven’t used paracetamol for months and I am sleeping better, not getting colds and have much more energy. The final change for me was to eat lots of fruit and vegetables and the easiest way I found was to make a smoothie for breakfast with about 3 or 4 different fruits and vegetables and a few tablespoons of porridge oats. I usually made soup with what vegetables were left and had this or a salad for my lunch. My last blood test showed normal results and I am really pleased with how easy these changes were to do.

The next goal is to get fit and strong inspired by watching ‘How to stay young’ on BBC iPlayer. I dread to think what age they would calculate me as. I have been doing Pilates for years but have just joined a gym and went to my first class there the other day as well as my induction with the fitness trainer. Keeping muscle mass and strength I know are important, so I will be doing something about it. On my course we also learnt about Narrative Therapy, the way of changing your ‘story’ or situation by thinking about what you want this to look like and changing your perspective. I thought I was a bit ‘set in my ways’ but perhaps it is perseverance and determination which can be utilised in new situations. I wanted to be healthier and not worry about damage to my liver. The changes have brought much more than that. So, will I become fit and strong? Well the last snippet from my course tutor was to throw people and yourself a ‘fish’ once in a while – a positive comment or compliment. Yes of course I will get fit and strong – just give me 3 weeks to prove it to you.

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