Do you have a clear picture of what you want your future self to look like? If not, now is the time to start creating it. The first step is to think about what your ideal self would be. What do you want to be like? What kind of lifestyle do you want to have? Once you have a good idea of your ideal self, you can start making lifestyle changes to work towards it.

Here are a few tips for creating your ideal image of yourself for the future:

• Be specific. Don't just say you want to be healthier or skinnier. What does being healthier mean to you? Instead of being healthier maybe you want to be able to play with your grandkids or kids and still have energy left for daily tasks?

  Instead of just being skinnier maybe you want to be more functional with less joint pain in your everyday life. Maybe you want to explore and not feel held back.

  Be specific about what you want, so you can create a specific image of what you want your ideal self to be.

• Visualize your ideal self. Close your eyes and imagine what your ideal life would look like. What type of person are you? What are you doing? Where are you living? Who are you with? How do you want others to perceive you? The more vivid your visualization, the more motivated you will be to achieve it.

• Set goals. Once you have a clear picture of your ideal self, you can start setting goals to achieve it. Make sure your goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time bound. 

• Set weekly goals that you can achieve consistently and keep you motivated.

• Making sure to eat more fiber or plant-based foods.

• Drinking more water on a daily basis.

• Getting at least 20 min of activity daily.

• Set monthly goals to make sure you're staying on track for the long run.

• Achieving your weekly goals consistently.

• Compete in a 5k or other group event.

• Participate in activity you would like to enjoy as part of your new lifestyle.

• Set quarterly goals for your big accomplishments.

• Go on a shopping trip for new clothes and/or accessories to fit your new lifestyle.

• Participate in a bigger activity (out of state trip, visiting a new city/town, taking your dog on a long hike, etc.) 

• Check in on your goals on your birthday to celebrate your achievements and possibly revise your goals for the year to come.

• Take action. Once you have crafted a strong image of your future self and set your goals it’s time to take action. Don't just sit around and wait for your dream life to happen. Start taking steps to make it happen by following your weekly, monthly, and quarterly goals.

• Don't give up. There will be times when you want to give up. Keep going, even when it's hard. The rewards will be worth it and even more appreciated once you achieve them. Just think of all the great stories you can tell your kids, grandkids, etc. Just remember that if you achieved something too easily you may be holding yourself back from achieving your greatest potential. 

Creating your ideal image of yourself for the future is not easy. It takes hard work, dedication, and perseverance. But it is possible. If you believe in yourself and never give up, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

If you want help creating a plan to achieve your new future ideal self or just help staying on track, contact me at dietitian2go@gmail.com or schedule a phone call or zoom call with me.

Written by: Adam Skowyra MPPD, RDN, LD