How many of us create a plan to do something and never end up actually doing it? How many of us create a plan without considering any of the barriers we might face when it comes to carrying out that plan?
So how can we plan effectively when it comes exercise, nutrition and health?
Action and Coping Planning - ‘bridging the gap’
Action and coping planning are concepts derived from the Health Action Process Approach Model that intends on bridging the intention behaviour gap. This is so that individuals are able to successfully plan and have coping strategies for when things do not go to plan.
Action Planning: Detailed plans that outline the actions needed to reach a specific goal (objectives to reach the goal), routine, times, places. When? Where? How?
Coping Planning: Detailed plans to help an individual cope with a situation when they do not meet a specific goal. What barriers or obstacles may interfere with the implementation of the exercise? How could you cope/deal with these problems?
How do we implement it?
Start with your action plans. What are your goals? What do you want to achieve? Think SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, time).
You then create your coping plans based on your action plans. What barriers might get in the way of your goals? How can you overcome them? What’s your strategy?
Setting action and coping plans allows you to visualise your goals and how you are going to achieve them whilst also preparing for potential barriers. This is a process of planning, preparing and holding yourself accountable.
Commentaires