Tiana's Behavioural Goal: Post 2 Progress Report 1

  Since beginning my behavioural goal a week and a half ago, of increasing my physical activity to three times per week, I have held my promise to myself of doing so. I have used several cognitive behavioural goals to motivate me to go to the gym, all of which have been successful thus far.

     Firstly, I designated specific times throughout the week to go to the gym, on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, after all my classes have ended for the day. This planning has been beneficial to me, as I view going to the gym as another class I must attend, and have no problem doing so. Another cognitive behavioural strategy I have implemented is writing down "GYM" on my calendar, after I had gone that day. This motivates me, because every time I look at my calendar, it reminds me that I have been doing well with my behavioural goal, making me feel good about myself and wanting to continue to not break that winning streak. Largo-Wight et al. (2008) indicate that activity logs are a beneficial tool for motivating and keeping people on track with their levels of physical activity. 

     Thus far in my behavioural change, I have not experienced much difficulty with attaining my goal of running on the elliptical three times a week. I have had days where I feel sick, which I had pushed myself to go, and felt great afterwards, as well as days where I have a lot of energy. The past lectures in HLTH 315 have constantly discussed how difficult it is for someone to actually make a behaviour change, yet I have had no difficulties with attaining my goal of increasing my physical activity on the elliptical...yet. 

Reference

Largo-Wight E.,John R. Todorovich and Brian K. O'Hara (2008) Effectiveness of Point-Based Physical Activity Intervention. THe Physical Educator. 65:1. pp 30.  bs0.pdf