When making any sort of change in life – from eating better or trying a new exercise regimen, to beginning a new job, getting married, etc., we all develop that picture in our minds about what that change will look like for us.
And, while that picture in our minds may not seem like much in terms of “getting there” or making that change a reality, it really is the first step, right? For a while, we may feel that we are merely daydreaming when we spend time and energy seeing that change enacted through our “mind’s eye,” but we are really building motivation and “getting the wheels spinning” toward that change. And this picture we have may be just how our motivation is initially ignited!
Think about a change you have been pondering or have recently made. What gave you that initial shove toward considering this, or making that change?
For example, you go to the dentist for a check-up, and the dentist tells you that you really should be flossing every day. For, as he knows from your exam, you are not doing this presently. Now, if you were to begin flossing regularly, would it be because the dentist told you to? Probably not.
But you may begin flossing because you considered, or envisioned, just what might happen if you did begin doing so regularly. You may be feeling good as you notice more of a freshness in your mouth. Or, you might have more pride knowing that you are doing something toward taking good care of yourself. Or, perhaps you are thinking about your next dental check-up, and how great it would feel when the dentist compliments you on how great your entire mouth looks.
So, the initial driver of the change here is the positive effect that it will have in your life in a very real way — the way you would FEEL after making that change!
As we consider quitting smoking, vaping, or chewing tobacco, what do you see as the big gain for you? People may say things like “my spouse will quit nagging me,” or, “I will no longer have to sneak around outside during lunch to find a place to light up.” Now, while these are great reasons to quit, they may not be anything that will really impact how you will feel after you quit.
Following the initial step of picturing your life following a change, it is important to name specific points of that vision that are important to you so that you can begin to really “assemble” that picture in your real life. This vision, sometimes called a “wellness vision” consists of a series of statements that put into words that picture you have in your mind’s eye.
These statements, which are meant to be positive and uplifting, often begin with “I will…” When considering quitting tobacco, your wellness vision might read, “I will be enjoying taking a deep breath again,” or, “I will be having fun running after my grandchildren in the park.” The feeling words here are what will really build that motivation and keep you focused on your goal.
What do you picture in your mind of how your life will be when you quit tobacco? And how will making that picture a reality make you feel?
