Now you are ready to zero in on why you are
getting off track. With a clear and accurate understanding, you
will be able to focus your attention and directly address the
agenda. Remember, there is a very real reason for why you got
off from your game plan. With an open and non-judgmental
attitude, look for the reason or motivation behind your off
track actions.
To help you understand why you got off track
Ask good questions. With a
calm, curious style, try to understand why you acted
counter to your healthy goals. Ask yourself,
"What was the reason for doing that? Even though
I regret it now, what purpose or function did that
action serve?" Be more aware the next time it
happens. If your answer is "because I wanted to
eat it" or "I just didn’t feel like
exercising", look closer for other underlying
reasons.
Look for hidden agendas. To
help you understand why you are getting off track,
look for any hidden agendas. Hidden agendas are simply
priorities or needs you have which interfere with
sticking to your game plan. Examples include the need
to avoid feeling bored or lonely, the need to feel
pleasure and happiness, or the need to not feel
controlled or deprived.
"Un-hide" your hidden
agenda. Typically hidden agendas operate in an
automatic style, out of your mindful awareness. Openly
approaching the agenda will help you learn more about
it, appreciate why it is there, and lessen any shame
or discomfort that might send it into hiding again.
Share it by telling a friend, writing notes to
yourself and creating a game plan to address it.
