Coach’s Corner – Being a Product of the Product During the Holidays

The holidays are tough to navigate, even when (maybe even especially when) you’re a health coach. You feel a responsibility for staying on track because you want to continue to be a product of the product.

I struggle too, during the holiday season and year-round. But I love what I do and supporting others on their health journeys is important to me. So I persevere. Imperfectly.

How to Stick With It

Part of your job is to share what you’re doing–as inspiration, as a reminder to clients, and as accountability for yourself and others. And even when you’re not showing up for yourself as consistently as you’d like, it’s important to show up for the people who are watching. And they are watching.

Trying to show up perfectly is a recipe for your own overwhelm and it will also make those watching feel uncomfortable and imperfect. They’ll see what you’re doing as a perfect ideal that they could never attain.

Instead, show off when you are eating right and working out. And also share that holiday cookie that you chose to eat, or that day that working out just wasn’t going to happen because there was too much going on. Of course, also share the next day when you did get your workout squeezed in–and talk about how you were able to make it a priority.

We’re all going through the holidays right now. We’re all experiencing the holidays in the midst of uncertainty. We can find 20 to 30 minutes to move our bodies most days. Even if it’s not hitting “play” on the video, it could be you going on a brisk walk with your dog, friends, or kids. Something to move your body.

Sticking With It Made Easier

Of course, setting yourself up for success is key, and there are things you can do to make that happen. A holiday survival guide will help, as will having some healthy recipes on hand to bring to those holiday parties (or serve to your family). I have some healthy Thanksgiving alternatives for you and a way to have a 21 Day Fix holiday plan in place.

Of course, the key is to not over-indulge in all the delicious foods, but if you do over-indulge, forgive yourself. It’s not the end of the world and there is a way out.

Not even the most elite athletes eat and work out perfectly every single day. So give yourself some grace if you stray during this time of year and just keep moving forward.