Preparing for Setbacks

I was thrilled to hear from some of you that my last blog on weight loss and fitness encouraged you in your own health journeys! I've decided to write another with the hope that my story can inspire you:)

I wanted to write a blog today about goals, but the more I thought about it, I realized that goals and set-backs really do go hand-in-hand. As surely as you have a goal, there will be something that comes in the way of your goal. I believe that setting goals, and preparing for set-backs are two valuable tools in your health journey. For today, I will focus on set-backs.

To begin, let me be very clear that I DO NOT endorse preparing for failure. Preparing for set-backs and preparing for failure are two very different things. Preparing for failure means that you expect yourself to "fall off the wagon" at some point, and revert back to your old ways. A person preparing for failure might buy unhealthy food while grocery shopping, or hold on to clothes that are too big, "just in case". When we prepare for failure, we set ourselves up for just that...failure! God's word says that we can "do all things through Christ" who gives us strength (Philippians 4:13), and this includes keeping us on the right track.

On the other hand, preparing for set-backs means that we are still focussed on our goals, but understand that sometimes things happen that might throw us off course. A set-back might be an illness that keeps you from exercising for a week, a special event where eating 100% healthy foods may not be an option, or even pregnancy. When we are prepared for these set-backs, we know that falling into a set-back does not mean that our health journey is OVER, but rather it means that we need to be extra vigilant in the future to get back on track. Someone not prepared for a set-back would think "I blew it, it's over, I might as well just give up", in which case, their health journey would be over!

The good news is that we have a God who understands our weaknesses. Hebrews 4:16 says "let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need". Even if it means we come to God over and over and over again, He promises to give grace and mercy when we need it, and that is all we need to continue on the journey. I mentioned in my last blog, and feel it's worth noting again, that God does not start us out to fail, and He is faithful to finish the work He began in you (check out Philippians 1:6). Whether your set-backs come for a minute, a day, a week or longer, remember that we serve a kind and loving God, who wants to help keep us on the right road!