How to Adapt to New Things
Apr 22, 2024Maybe you remember it. I sure do.
I remember a few years back when the thought of shopping online was something my parents wouldn't even consider.
They couldn't trust putting their information into websites. No way.
They even shredded their papers at home once they didn't need them so no one would get their personal details.
Not a chance they'd shop online.
Today my mom shops online regularly.
Two people who regularly had Sharon and I troubleshooting the simplest tech issues for them are now both comfortable with something that they wouldn't have considered just a few short years back.
People adapt and evolve; however, most of the time it's gradual.
When something "new" becomes the norm you often feel like you're missing out if you don't eventually jump on board.
People who would have never seen the need for a smartphone or social media account, at one point, are regular users of both.
(Okay, my dad still has a flip phone.)
But sometimes it's closer to forced adaptation.
For years I'd told one particular friend to slow down at work. He owns a medium-sized business and was working 80 hours weekly.
Unfortunately he didn't slow down until various health issues forced him to stop altogether for three months.
Only after a serious health scare did he change his behavior.
How to Adapt to New Things
If you are a creature of habit, it can be tough to adapt to new things.
Making adjustments to even the simplest daily routine can be difficult for most, especially if you're over 40 years.
Here are 10 strategies on how to adapt to new things as you age and your body changes.
1. Start with small changes
Making drastic changes to your lifestyle can be overwhelming and unsustainable.
Instead, begin with small changes that you can gradually build upon.
For example, if you want to start exercising more, go for a 10-minute walk each day, and gradually increase the duration and intensity of your workouts.
2. Set realistic goals
It's important to set realistic goals for yourself when it comes to your health.
If you choose goals that are too difficult to achieve, you may become discouraged and give up.
Set goals that are challenging but realistic, and celebrate your progress along the way.
3. Seek professional advice
If you're not sure where to start or how to make changes to your health, seek advice from a professional.
Your doctor can communicate with your fitness-and-nutrition coach to provide you with personalized advice based on your health history and current needs.
4. Be open to new ideas
Adapting to new things means being open to new ideas and unique ways of doing things.
Don't be afraid to try new exercises, new foods, or new ways of managing stress.
It may feel "weird" to lift weights in the beginning; however, once you start building muscle and boosting your metabolism you'll never look back.
You may find that, over time, unfamiliar things becomes your favorite things.
5. Be patient with yourself
Change takes time, and it's important to be patient with yourself as you adapt to new things.
When you start a fitness-and-nutrition program you may not see immediate results, but over time, small changes can lead to big improvements in your health.
6. Stay motivated
Staying motivated can be challenging, especially when you're not seeing immediate results.
Find ways to stay motivated, such as tracking your progress, setting rewards for yourself, or finding an accountability coach to keep you on track.
7. Get support from friends and family
Having the support of friends and family can make a big difference when it comes to adapting to new things.
Talk to your loved ones about your goals and ask for their support and encouragement along the way.
If your spouse continues to buy junk food despite your requests to keep the house free of temptations, try this approach.
Say, "If you have my best interests in mind you'll stop offering me pizza, chips, etc. (or whatever foods are keeping you from hitting your goals)."
8. Embrace failure as an opportunity to learn
Adapting to new things means taking risks and attempting novel things, which can sometimes lead to failure.
Embrace failure as an opportunity to learn and grow, and don't be discouraged by setbacks.
9. Focus on the positive
Instead of focusing on what you can't do or what you're giving up, focus on the positive changes you're making in your life.
Celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may seem, and use them as motivation to keep going.
10. Keep learning
Adapting to new things means being open to learning new things.
Read books, watch videos, or take online classes on topics related to health and wellness to keep yourself motivated and informed.
Right now, many 40-plus men and women are struggling with obesity and feeling downright awful.
If you've "tried everything" to get healthy yet are still frustrated, maybe it's time to change your approach.
My most successful clients are trying things they may have resisted trying before, like videoconferencing to stay accountable to their workouts and nutrition.
By the way, a decent percentage of my clients are training at home while being coached 100% online.
Does it sound impossible to sweat in your basement or garage, with on-demand workouts, and actually get results?
Maybe it's time to suspend your disbelief.
Truth is, as long as you stay safe, have fun, and get results, nothing else really matters.
So many of my loyal clients are staying lean and strong because they have the right support team.
For example we're helping our clients with these tools:
โ "On-Demand" Strength and Fat-Loss Workouts
โ Completely Done-for-You 21-Day Nutrition Masterclass
โ Team Support (Livestream Q/A)
โ 1-on-1 Accountability
โ Mental Health Guides
โ Strength, Mobility, Core, and Stretching Learn-by-Doing Videos
We're providing strategic solutions to help men and women over the age of 40 lose fat, get strong, and slow aging.
What's my point?
The hurdle of trying the new tech or new ways of doing things has already been overcome.
And for the people who have embraced this new way of thinking... you guys will continue to thrive.
If you are struggling, today is the day to change the way you approach your health and fitness.
My point is to resist the urge to think that your future will look exactly like your past.
If you take imperfect action, it won't.
One more thing.
Most of the training methods I see online and in gyms make me cringe.
They may get you some results in the short term; but they will break you down and burn you out in the long term.
I received an email with a link to watch some follow-along workout promising "elite fitness" on somebody's TocTick, FaceTube, or some other social media page.
After a few moments of reviewing this video I wrote back that they should "shift their focus towards health."
Especially nowadays, many people are realizing that training for "elite fitness" and using workouts that crush your body, probably aren't the best things for long term health.
Is there a benefit in anything posted online these days?
Maybe yes. Maybe no.
But I couldn't care less about getting into that discussion.
I just want to help people who need and want my help. I want to help you train smarter and safer.
I want to help you work around the nagging pain that's bothering you and reduce the chance of future issues.
Overuse injuries, too-low energy, and excess bodyfat often result in general unhappiness.
But proper training should make you healthier and more virile, not break you down.
Ed lost 70 pounds by training smart, eating mindfully, and getting a good night's sleep.
Justin lost 40 pounds following a similar body-transformation plan.
Never forget the health part of "health and fitness."
When it comes to your health, are you in it for the short-term?
Or are you playing the long game?
Maybe you're ready to leave the nagging aches and pains behind.
You’re responsible for your own life. No one else.
Not those who influenced the circumstances of your past and not those around you today.
You make your own choices. You control your attitude.
Personal responsibility is a privilege. Embrace it.
Life is a competition; but it’s not a competition against others.
It’s a competition against your former self.
A challenge to continuously become a better version of you.
Sure, there may be times you're pitted against others, vying for a championship or a victory, but your success is a result of controlling what you can control and being the best you can be.
Summary:
When it comes to your health it can be challenging to adapt to new things.
Start with small changes, set realistic goals, seek professional advice, be open to new ideas, be patient with yourself, stay motivated, get support from friends and family, embrace failure as an opportunity to learn, focus on the positive, and keep learning.
With these tips, you can make positive changes to your health and improve your overall quality of life.
To your success,
Coach Joe
Joseph Arangio helps 40+ men and women get leaner, stronger, and happier. He's delivered over 100,000 transformation programs to satisfied clients around the globe. If you want to lose weight from home, with the best online longevity personal trainer, or you want to visit the best longevity personal trainer in the Lehigh Valley, you can take a free 14-day trial.