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Celebration
Strategies
Unfortunately, many
successes go unacknowledged. Positive reinforcement increases the
likelihood of continued progress. Success should be
celebrated throughout the lifestyle change process.
Tips for Celebrating
Lifestyle Change
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Make celebrations
unique by including a simple ritual or ceremony.
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Make celebrations
unique by using healthy alternatives to traditional
rewards (for example, exotic fruits and vegetables instead of fatty foods).
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Check to make sure
that desired levels of privacy are maintained. Some people
don't feel comfortable celebrating lifestyle change in a
public way.
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Celebrate often. One
strategy is to celebrate each transition to a new stage of
change. The transitions are identified below.
|
Transition |
Marker |
|
From Contemplation to
Preparation |
Sets a date for making
the change. |
|
From Preparation to
Action |
Begins to make
personal changes. |
|
From Action to
Maintenance |
Moves beyond early
adjustment to making it work for the long term. |
|
From Maintenance to
Moving On |
Is completely
comfortable in new lifestyle and ready to move on to other
goals. |
Include both rewards and
recognition. Sometimes the most powerful rewards are simple
expressions of joy that things are going well.
When possible, use the time
and money saved from unhealthy behavior to make the celebration
appropriate to the true gain. Medical care, alcohol and tobacco
can be very expensive. Add up the savings and you can finance one
heck of a celebration.
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Learn more about celebrating
success by clicking on the Wellness Mentor Training
Video link below.
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