We hear people say if/then statements all the time. “If” this happens, “then” I will do this. What if we changed our words to “when”?  When statements help us to be prepared in healthy ways.

If is the same thing as saying, “assuming that” or “in case that”.  When we say if, does that mean we don’t think it will really happen? Or, that we hope it won’t happen?

Thinking about our health and fitness, here are some of the statements that I have heard:

If/Then Statements

If I:

• Get up early, then I can exercise
• Plan my meals, then I can make healthy food
• Walk every day, then I can feel healthier
• Say kind things to myself, then I can feel better about myself

What if we changed the way we said these statements? Think about the shift in mindset.  Instead of saying “if” or “assuming that” people would begin with when.  “When” is the same thing as saying, “at the same time” or “immediately after”.  When says that something will happen and after it happens, we will know what to do. 

We will know what to do because we have thought about how we will react and are prepared to react in positive and healthy ways. 

Practice what you will do when certain situations happen.  Here are some examples.

When statements

When I:

• Make a mistake, I will be persistent and try again
• Hear unkind words, I will say something positive to myself
• Have a success, I will celebrate the accomplishment
• Let someone down, I will apologize and fix the situation
• Skip a day on my health journey, I will get back on track the next day
• Get up early, I will exercise

Think about how many times you use if/then statements during the day.  Can you change them?  Can you make statements about what you will do?  Remember, when statements help us to be prepared in healthy ways. “When I’m finished reading this blog, I will take a walk outside.”