The Key to Lifestyle Change is Social
By: Sam Randolph
Tags: Fitness, Lifestyle, Habits, Resolutions, Diet

The Key to Lifestyle Change is Social

Your relationships and social life are the biggest factors in predicting whether or not you will succeed at developing a healthier lifestyle. Sam Randolph Follow Nov 21, 2020 · 4 min read

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We are social animals, and our need for affirmation ultimately decides whether a new habit sticks. A world of knowledge will never be enough to create lasting behavioral change unless your people are cheering you on.

In order to develop a social community that drives you toward your goals you need to ask for support from you closest family and friends and be open to the possibility of change.

Actively recruit support from family and close friends

A new habit will swiftly die if the people you are closest with don’t support you, or worse, actively discourage you.

The best tools to handle these situations are honesty and respect. Explain how important your new habits are and why you are excited about it. Try to avoid sounding critical of other people’s decisions.

If you want to start cooking more meals at home to improve your diet but your spouse enjoys getting takeout every night you need to have an honest conversation about what you want and need. Try, “I’m very committed to changing my diet and becoming healthier. I really need your support to stick to it. Would you like to attempt healthier versions of our favorite menu items at home?”

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If you want to stay in on Friday night to be rested for a Saturday morning jog, but your friends are going out you can say, “It sounds like you are going to have a very fun night, and I really enjoy spending time with you. The workout routine I have been following is making me feel great and I want to keep that momentum going! Would you like to meet for coffee or a walk next week?”

Sometimes you can compromise, and sometimes you need to respectfully decline offers and stand up for what is important to you. Someone who truly cares about you should support your goal to be healthy and happy.

You might find out that your close friends are also wanting to develop a healthier lifestyle and you were the support they needed.

Be open to change in your social life

The idea of losing friends is the scariest thing about a lifestyle change. This is why so many people try to keep their new healthy habits secret.

You probably have at least a few friends of lifestyle proximity. You are going to find out who those people are the longer the new you sticks around. The amount of change in your social world will depend on how different your new lifestyle is from your old one. If you are determined to do a complete overhaul you can expect some movement in your social network.

Often, friendships that seem solid are actually held up by a similar interest in complaining about work over happy hour drinks.

As people fade from your social sphere it’s important to look back at the fun times you had with gratitude. Moving on can be bittersweet, but it opens space to allow new relationships to form.

Seek out opportunities to create new connections with people who are living the kind of life you want

You don’t need to make this weird.

Joining a gym or studio with a strong community is a great way to meet people with shared interests and goals. Online communities are a great option if you prefer to exercise solo.

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You probably already know people who have a lot in common with the new you. You just didn’t hit it off before because you weren’t excited about the same things. Being excited about your life and interested in other people are the only tools you need to connect with great people who might become lifelong friends.

Lasting change must be supported at all levels of your life

The most fundamental aspects of our lives are the relationships and connections we have with other people. When everything else about us is stripped away our relationships are what remains. You can grow and change throughout your life, but if you want change to last you have to be surrounded by people who support your goals.