The individual becomes cognizant and acknowledges to themselves self-destructive behavior patterns.  It comes from within; a sudden awareness for the need to change.  Blame for the present lifestyle requiring change is no longer placed on pressure from external sources such as interpersonal relationships, the work place, or hard luck.  There have always been better choices available.  A contract is made by the individual with himself to get the job done,  to be committed and to accept personal responsibility for managing all personal problems. Motivation is fueled by each small step taken which improves health, peace of mind, and self-worth.

What Exactly does “Lifestyle Change” Mean?

How you live determines your choices, and your choices determine how healthy you are. A healthy lifestyle includes not smoking, eating healthy foods, exercising and keeping the body at a healthy weight.

Where do you fall on the healthy lifestyle spectrum?

Reevaluate your priorities and decide what you really want for yourself. Replacing bad habits with new, better habits takes time and effort and, for a healthy lifestyle, you may be changing a variety of things, such as:

• What time you wake up
• What time you go to bed
• How you spend free time
• How you shop
• How you cook
• How often you eat
• How much TV you watch
• What you do with your family and friends

A lifestyle change is the culmination of all behavior modifications that you accomplish and put into practice for the long-term.  Habit is habit, and not to be flung out the window but coaxed down the stairs, one step at a time. ~Mark Twain