Asking for Help

It's great to be independent, but when it comes to your health, choosing to do everything by yourself — without support or help — isn't always a good idea. You're not an island (and why would you want to be?). Other people can play a major role in your weight-loss success or your failure, and when it comes to your personal relationships with friends, family, or significant others, collaboration on your health is vital. Often, the people around you are contributing to or causing the problem, playing the role of disabler or enabler. When this happens, fight the urge to attack them. Instead, co-opt them and make them part of the solution.

The key is to communicate. You have to tell people how you feel and what you need. No one is a mind reader, so you have to tell those around you how best to support you. Asking for help might feel awkward, selfish, or narcissistic at first, but the more you articulate your needs, the more powerful you will become. Practice saying what you want, and be clear and concise. If you have fears or concerns, put them on the table for discussion. Open up a constructive dialogue that is calm and thoughtful and gets to the heart of your needs.

I can't stress enough that no one gets anywhere in life without help. So if you want to work out and don't feel you have time, ask the in-laws to watch the kids so you can fit in your yoga class. Or if you're new to working out, ask a trainer to teach you about exercise. You have to be assertive and express your needs and wants, and ask for help to achieve a healthier life.

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