On Tuesday, I had an online speed awareness course to attend. Returning to Macclesfield from Henbury direction a few months ago, I did not slow down enough as entering a 30 zone and was still doing 38 at the camera. Zero excuses or justification from me – I was entirely in the wrong. I thought it was a well structured and delivered course. More interesting and engaging than, perhaps, it could have been. And, as well as it being a useful reminder for me to keep to the speed limit, it has given me ideas for a number of blogs. Quite a few actually. Stick with me. Today’s is about an advanced driving acronym. COAST. Concentration Observation Anticipation Space Time Because, ultimately, all accidents occur when we run out of space and time. And using our concentration, observation anticipation to make better use of space and time will mean we don’t run out of it. And I thought that was a useful parallel for our attempts to get in better shape. Because often our less good eating choices happen when we feel that we don’t have any other choice. It’s all that’s available at that particular point. We have run out of time to make a different decision. And the space around us, our environment, shapes our decisions more than we make care to admit. What food is readily available, in what portion sizes, and how visible it is will all impact our eating. Using our concentration, observation and anticipation to change the above will make better make better eating choices more likely. Actually having a specific plan. Not hiding behind this silly “I don’t like to plan too much” or “I like to keep things flexible”……… When that approach is actually making us miserable. Looking at the week ahead, anticipating what will be happening and making a plan that is doable, but still worthwhile. The COAST acronym was one of a number of ways that the course tutor had to help us change our behaviour. Telling ourselves “I know what I need to do, I just need to do it” is as likely to be as effective as it was last time. Whether that’s “don’t speed” or “eat less”. A more concrete plan around our use of time and space doesn’t mean it definitely will happen. But it’s much more likely. Much love, Jon ‘4 The Village’ Hall P.S. More concrete plans, with accountability, and enjoyable exercise with like minded people in an intimidation free atmosphere is what we do. It’s www.myrise.co.uk/apply to try that out risk free in September! Start dates are flexible, but leaving it till next week will mean missing the boat!
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RISE in Macclesfield was established in 2012 and specialise in Group Personal Training weight loss programmes for those that don’t like the gym and find diets boring and restrictive!
