Let’s discuss some Habits of Mind, specifically Metacognition, which is a fancy word for “thinking about thinking.”
Have you ever stopped and paid attention to your thoughts? Are you aware of your own thoughts, feelings, intentions and actions? Are you aware that what you do and say affects others? Have you ever considered the impact of your choices on yourself and others?
What does metacognition involve?
- Developing plans of action.
- Monitoring your plans as you begin to implement them.
- Being aware of the need to make changes to your plan if it isn’t working out.
- Reflecting on your plan for self-evaluation.
How does this work hand-in-hand with a healthier lifestyle?
- Develop a plan of action – When are you going to workout? When are you going to prep meals?
- Monitor your plans as you begin implementing them – Are you finding it difficult to workout after work or waking up early to workout? Are you not preparing enough healthy snacks or meals? Pay attention to this. Ask yourself, “Am I on the right track?” or “If I proceed this way, will I reach my goals?”
- Making changes to your plan if it isn’t working out – Switch up when you workout, do it in the morning or on a lunch break if the evening routine isn’t panning out, vice-versa. Switch up the meals you make if you’re getting sick of what you’re having.
- Reflecting on your plan for self-evaluation – Evaluate your progress and results thus far. Figure out what you’re going to do differently if you’re not where you expected yourself to be.
Give yourself grace. Understand that the ability to learn this lifestyle is not a fixed quantity –– Setting goals, making plans to meet those goals, creating opportunities to monitor your goals and plans, adapting to things that need to be changed are all steps in making lifestyle an actual lifestyle.
So how do you begin implementing metacognition in health & fitness? Start by paying attention to your thoughts where your workouts and nutrition are concerned. Write down the things you notice – are you excited to workout or are you dreading it? Do you feel like you’re drowning in water because you’re not used to drinking an adequate amount? Do you hate tracking your meals because it’s time consuming? Pay attention to your feelings and thoughts, write them down.
