SELF MOTIVATION - How to Become a Better Person

By Douglas Robb

Today’s post is a little different than the ones I normally write.

No science…no workouts…no cutting edge nutrition research. Just a short story about one of my friends/clients and how the changes she made in her life has made her a better person…her words, not mine.

How to become a better person in 500 words or less

Suzanne (not her real name) was referred to me by one of her friends. When we met, she was forty-something years old, with three growing kids, a good marriage, a good life, with lots of friends and a job that helped pay the bills for a home in a very nice neighbourhood in mid-town Toronto.

Like a lot of forty-somethings, she was essentially healthy but was carrying excess body-fat and just didn’t feel like her old self.

Based on her friend’s recommendation, she came to me with expectations of:

1. Dropping the weight,
2. Fitting into her pre-baby clothes and,
3. Feeling more energetic.

And while all of those goals came true in the 14 months we worked together, they weren’t the reasons why she took the time to write me the most touching letter of thanks this past week.

In her letter, Suzanne talked about how her new health habits have made her a better version of herself…stronger, calmer, happier, more creative, more loving…not to mention looking better than ever in a pair of skinny jeans.

• She wrote about how her cravings for cookies and cupcakes have disappeared
• She wrote about how she no longer “freaks out” on her kids and husband
• She wrote about how her lower back & neck doesn’t ache anymore
• She wrote about how she doesn’t feel sad & anxious like she used to
• She wrote about how she doesn’t “need” coffee like she used to
• She wrote about how her energy levels have gone through the roof
• She wrote about how her relationships have grown
• She wrote about how her improved work performance has led to a promotion
• She wrote about how her kids and husband were positively affected by her changes
• She wrote how her husband has been able to cut back on hypertension meds, lose weight and get rid of his sleep apnea machine
• She wrote about how one of her kids is no longer on ADHD meds
• She wrote about how all of her kids are better behaved and are much more physically fit

She also wrote about how she didn’t have to abandon the good stuff from her “old life” to make all these changes. She just got rid of the “stuff” that was getting in the way of being the best Suzanne that she could be.

• She didn’t stop going out for dinner. She just made better choices
• She didn’t stop watching tv. She just made better choices
• She didn’t stop eating cupcakes. She just made better choices.

And that is how you become a better person. You start making better choices.