The other day I went into work and lo and behold, someone had brought in a tray of sweets. Anyone who knows me knows that sweets are my vice and, although I’m usually in control, this day my sweet tooth got the best of me. The problem was that once I had tried one, I instantly wanted another. And here’s where my willpower was tested: I could either choose to follow the slippery slope and call the day a “Treat Day,” or I could brush off the small slip-up and make the most out of the choices that followed.  

I’m human and have gone both ways, but I have to say that it is a huge win when I’m able to stop the downward spiral and change the direction of my day for the better.  

Here are some of the strategies I use to stay in control of my daily choices: 

1. Stop Yourself  

• Take a moment and breathe. Sometimes we can get a little anxious when we are in the midst of a decision. Relax and take control. 
• Remove yourself from the tempting situation. For example, if late-night eating is a weakness, leave the house and go for a walk.  
• You can also distract yourself with reading, writing, watching TV or even cleaning. I like to play on the computer or paint my nails. 

2. Do a Reality Check (Chances are your blunder wasn’t that bad)

• If you missed a workout (or two) or lapsed on your diet, remember that it takes 3,500 calories to gain one pound, so one slip won’t make a huge difference, but a full day of treats or a week of missed workouts can add up.
• If you catch yourself before you go too far, you can still easily make your day a success!

3. Think Long-Term vs. Short-Term 

• Sure, the easy way out is to miss your workout and just go home, but will you feel good about your choice at the end of the day when the opportunity to work out is gone? 
• It feels better long-term if you stay strong and make choices that are good for your health. When we make the healthier choice, we can hold our head up high throughout the day. 

4. Let Go of the Guilt

• What’s done is done and you can’t change it, so move on!  
• Make a conscious decision to be happy and confident from that moment forward. When you’re in a positive state of mind, making good choices is easier. 

5. Make Good Choices

• Do things like take the stairs, say “no” to tempting situations and make your next snack or meal a healthy one.

6. Set Small Goals 

• Big goals can seem daunting and unachievable, but breaking them up into smaller objectives, lets you celebrate small wins more often.
• Try drinking more water, getting through a social function without cheating on your diet or going to bed early.

7. Celebrate Your Wins

• Take a moment to celebrate all the things you’ve accomplished in your day. You can even write down all of your good choices in a journal. 
• Be proud of every good choice you make! 

So lift your head up high and make the decision to take the high road. Don’t get discouraged by big goals or little slips; empower yourself and take control. A single choice will not make or break you, but an accumulation of bad choices can alter your entire direction. Change happens one day, one choice, one moment at a time, and you have the power to make the most out of each moment. Now that’s something to celebrate! 

One of my favorite quotes that reminds me to make the most out of every day: 

“Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That’s why it is called the present.”

– Alice Morse Earle