The phrase “one and done” is used quite a bit. I didn’t realize until recently that “one and done” became popularized after a controversial National Basketball Association draft rule that was introduced in 2006. The rule stated that recruits needed to be at least 19 years old by the end of the draft year and one year removed from their high school graduation before they were eligible to participate in the NBA draft. The effect was that high school players, who might have gone directly into playing professionally, instead had to spend at least one year playing at the collegiate level - whether they wanted to or not. So “one and done” referred to the basketball players that declared for the NBA draft after playing only one year for their college team.
I happen to know someone very well who has a “one and done” philosophy about life. If she tries a new restaurant and the service is slow, she says “this is a one and done, I am never coming here again!” If her favorite actress stars in a movie that she doesn’t enjoy, her response is “I will never go see another one of her movies.” I recall one time that she couldn’t find a parking spot at the mall. You know what’s coming next....she decided that was THE LAST TIME she was EVER going to shop at that mall! While these reactions seem very extreme to me, this “one and done” way of living suits my friend just fine. The way I look at it, if we cut people, places and things out of our lives after just one disappointment, we may not be left with much.
It may come as a surprise to you that, as a health coach, I encourage people to make “one and done” decisions all of the time. However, my approach has a much more positive outlook. You can often hear me saying things like “you might consider adding an avocado to your lunch salad” or “how about cooking with coconut oil?” or “you may want to add weights to your exercise routine” or “spinach pairs very well with banana and pineapple for a breakfast smoothie”. The philosophy behind my suggestions is that, oftentimes, when you try something for the first time, you will realize how much you like it (and what you have been missing). These changes will hopefully be “one and done”...as in, all it will take is JUST ONE TRY to implement a positive change in your life. This is a great new way to look at the “one and done” rule.
I bet you have a list rolling around in your mind of the things you have been wanting to try. Are there new foods on that list? Are you considering growing your own organic vegetable garden this year or building a composting bin? Perhaps you want to try out a new workout routine? I recently started a Barre & Weights Workout at my gym. It was something that had been “on my list” for a long time. I am happy to report that the barre class was “one and done”! I enjoyed it so much the first day I tried it, that it only took “one” time and now I am a regular. Whatever you are thinking about doing for the first time, whether it is meal prepping, meditating, or shopping at farmers markets, your life could quite possibly be changed for the better. My hope for you is that after trying your new thing just once, you will be a believer in this approach...a truly reformed 'one and done-er'!
One of my Great Aunts used to say “life is for the living!” She definitely lived the “one and done” way. She was someone who never had to be asked twice to give something new a try and was always game for anything. Because of her approach, my Aunt’s life was extremely happy, very full and beautifully long. She lived until her late 90’s, always with a smile on her face and an optimistic outlook about trying everything. When I grow up, I want to be just like my Aunt...doing (and enjoying) anything and everything...an official member of the "one and done" club!