Nutrition by Dawn - Blog

Ever notice how easy it is to make plans with others, but when it comes to ourselves, we often let them slip? Let's talk about the difference between making plans and setting intentions, and why following through on your commitments to yourself is so important.

I recently had a classic situation that got me thinking about this. Here in the Northeast, it started raining one afternoon—not as bad as the hurricane hitting the Southeast, but enough to cancel my outdoor pickleball class. Now, I could have just written off my daily movement and thought, “Well, I intended to be active today, but it’s raining, so maybe tomorrow.”

But instead, I reminded myself: I had a plan for my intentional movement today. And when I make a promise to myself, I honor it. So, I found an open spot at my Pilates studio and later grabbed my rain gear and walked around my favorite pond. Despite the rain, I got my movement in, and it felt great!

Here’s the thing: It’s easy to let intentions slide. You might intend to drink more water, get enough sleep, or exercise regularly, but without a concrete plan, it’s easy to get derailed. Plans are different. They’re commitments that mean something—especially when they’re for you.

Why Keeping Plans with Yourself Matters

• You’re Important: If you wouldn’t cancel plans with a friend, why cancel on yourself? You deserve to keep those promises.

• Life Happens: Sometimes Plan A doesn’t work out—things come up, weather changes, or schedules shift. But that’s why having a Plan B (or C, or D!) is crucial.

• Progress Over Perfection: Even if things don’t go as planned, finding alternatives and staying consistent leads to growth. It’s all about showing up for yourself, even in small ways.

How to Turn Intentions Into Action

1. Make a Solid Plan: Whether it’s a workout, a healthy and balanced meal, or self-care time, put it in your calendar and treat it like a non-negotiable appointment.

2. Be Flexible: If something unexpected happens, adjust your plan instead of scrapping it. Missed your morning workout? Fit in a walk after dinner.

3. Stay Accountable: Check in with yourself—did you follow through? If not, why? Learn from it and tweak your approach moving forward.

The plans you make with yourself are just as important as those you make with others. You’re worth showing up for, and when you make that commitment, you’ll start to see the benefits in your physical and mental well-being.

So, next time you’re tempted to let an intention slide, remember: You matter, and your plans matter.