My husband sent me this link to a post on “Zen Habits.”  While I’m not trying to encourage people to become vegetarian runners, the list is based on the author’s struggles to quit smoking and live a healthier lifestyle in accordance with his values…and it offers some excellent insights on the pitfalls – and how to avoid them.

For what it’s worth, I’d add:

14.  Taking yourself too seriously.  You can be passionate about your lifestyle changes, without becoming a humorless zealot.  Don’t confuse being in control with being controlling.

15.  Punishing yourself for your failings.  Don’t beat up on yourself if you stumble…you’re human – it happens.  If there are lessons to be learned, then take them to heart: but don’t punish yourself…just get back with the program.  It’s possible to laugh at yourself and accept your weaknesses, even as you’re working on improving.

16.  Being in a rush.  The changes you’re making are for the rest of your life.  The benefits may be slow to materialize, but they will happen.  Be patient.

17.  Enjoy the process.  All too often, people see healthy changes in negative terms.  “Healthy” is synonymous with self-deprivation, and only the results make the process worthwhile.  Yet the process can be a lot of fun too.  For example, I don’t lift weights just to look lean and muscular…I also like to lift weights!  Pushing to my limits and achieving the next level is cool beyond words. 

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