I agree that we should only request support from those we can trust, which means we must know those we choose to trust very well. Sometimes this is easy, sometimes it’s not.

I also agree that the idea we have to tell others our goals doesn’t seem right. Presumably, the idea is that publicly declaring an intention makes it more difficult to give up because we know others are watching. But that’s a terrible reason to embark on personal transformation – doing it for others.

A very muddled topic and one that doesn’t get enough focus. But then blanket statements are rarely good ideas.

Well these people aren’t being what I call supportive. Getting support isn’t the same as being the new target for advice (and usually criticism).

When I need support for something new I will only tell those I can trust to be on my side – not just indulge their desire to judge.

The idea that we have to tell others our goals just doesn’t seem right to me.

Thanks for raising this. I think you are right that this isn’t much talked about – and I do think it is important.

Thanks for a great post.

Thanks for stopping by!

I agree that it’s always easier to try to change others, but we can only change ourselves. Unfortunately, changing ourselves is pretty darn hard!

Given that I know what it’s like to be the “center” of attention when on a diet, I do my best not to be the chatty one when someone else tells me they are on a diet. Sometimes, I even add in the dissenting voice to the conversations about food, pointing out that everyone has different opinions. That pretty much goes over like a lead balloon!

Ah, well. I’m very thankful that my husband is so supportive. I’m also thankful that he’s willing to exercise with me – it does help a lot. In fact just this morning, he convinced me to take a long walk around our neighborhood. We definitely need to do that more often – I was reminded that I’m out of shape.

You know what, you’re right that once people (many, not all) know that you are changing your lifestyle, eating healthier and exercising, that suddenly there is a wealth of advice coming your way. In my experience that has been from co-workers, however I think that was really a reflection of their own thoughts about changes they felt they could make in their own lives.

It’s always easier to try to change others but there isn’t anyone we can change except ourselves. I do think it’s sometimes better to just keep your goals to yourself, but I like your idea of getting your husband on the same healthy track with you….then you’d be working together and supporting each other. No one else really matters though when it comes to the choices you make for your health, in fact when it comes down to it, it’s your decisions that matter.

Thanks for the link to my post, I really enjoyed reading your’s – you made some very insightful points here.