We are the best experts in our own lives. We know best what we personally like, what we don’t like, what works well for us, and what doesn’t. But when it comes to planning to change a health habit in our life, we often forget to look to ourselves for advice and guidance on how to make the change. 

In my line of work as a health coach I get asked the question, “What should I do?” when it comes to developing a plan to change a health habit. My job is to not “should” on my clients nor act like the expert of their life. It is my job to work collaboratively with my clients and help remind them they are true experts of themselves. I help them understand and recognize that when they leverage their own strengths, habits, attitudes, and past successes, this can empower them to take the lead and successfully design and implement a plan that is based on their own values and vision.  If you are in the process of trying to make a health change in your life, it is important to remember that you have the power to make the change happen when you rely on and trust your own expertise. 

Below are some questions I ask clients and that you can use for yourself, when in the process of developing a plan for making a change for better health. 
1.     What have you learned in previous experiences that can support your effort now to change?
2.     How did you successfully handle similar situations in the past?
3.     What personal strengths do you possess that can be used now to help you progress toward this new change?
4.     What do you know about yourself that could help you take action and stay on track when working towards your goal? 

It is important to remember that you don’t have to do all of this by yourself.  It is 100% okay to seek help and ask for information and advice. Once you receive the information and advice, take what you have learned and what you know about yourself (remember, you’re the expert of you!), and develop a plan that works within your own values and interests.  When you feel empowered and in control of the plan that is developed, you are more likely to succeed in accomplishing the change(s) you wish to make. 
 
Article written by Lisa Fisher, ACE Certified Health Coach, Personal Trainer, Fitness Nutrition Specialist and Pilates Instructor.