Decision

D - Decision:

Encouraging officers to make a transformative decision regarding the importance of exercise is paramount. During ICT briefings and other interactions, I've utilized various approaches to communicate this message effectively.

1) Paint a vivid picture of two contrasting future scenarios: one where exercise is neglected, resulting in a gradual loss of strength and muscle, and another where time is invested to maintain and improve physical prowess. Each day, the choices they make will shape their path towards either weakness or strength.

This reality extends far beyond their tenure with our organization, leaving a lasting impact on their lives.

2) Share inspiring stories of NSmen who have experienced a remarkable turnaround in their health.

In Chapter X of this book, you'll find some of these awe-inspiring journeys. I also share my personal story at ABC, where I went from being excused from IPPT for four years to failing it once and receiving notice to attend RT for 20 sessions. Eventually, I managed to transform my health and fitness. Few things are as powerful as stories of transformation and hope, especially when the person involved comes from the same unit or ICT recall. Observing someone's visible change and understanding their personal motivation fosters a powerful connection within others.

3) Encourage officers to discover their own "why should I bother" by tapping into what truly motivates them. People are driven by different factors when it comes to improving health and fitness. Throughout my years of coaching, I've observed two primary drivers for behavioral change:A desperate desire to escape an unhealthy situation, often motivated by pain or discomfort.Finding inspiration in someone else's story that mirrors their own circumstances.

4) Highlight relevant health statistics that emphasize the importance of fitness. For instance, research shows that better cardio fitness is associated with lower resting heart rates and greater longevity, leading to an enhanced quality of life

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30761923/

Additionally, studies indicate that good muscular strength is linked to a longer lifespan

https://news.umich.edu/people-with-low-muscle-strength-more-likely-to-die-prematurely/

Presenting

these facts helps officers understand the concrete benefits that await them on their fitness journey.

5) Encourage officers to take up personal challenges that align with their goals. These challenges should reflect their own internal desires to feel and look better. Motivation originating from within plays a significant role in personal growth.

Ask your officers to select a challenge, such as increasing their weekly training volume to feel more energetic, shedding 5 kilograms of body weight, or improving their upper body strength by increasing their maximum push-ups by 10-15% within the next month.

When we help them to “gamify” the process of getting fit, it’s always more fun and engaging.