Shahroo - The Kindness Method

Shahroo is a Behaviourial Change Specialist and author of The Kindness Method, a book on changing unwanted habits. This is a straight talking approach backed up with pure compassion and, of course, kindness. Shahroo is a super-smart innovator with a background of advising on the treatment of addiction. She uses the same methodology as a guide for anyone wanting to change unwanted behaviours such as procrastination or over eating. Here we pick up some tips on how we can take on a kinder approach to self improvement.

Can you tell us a little about your approach to changing unwanted habits?

The Kindness Method is influenced by the evidence-based approaches that are being widely and effectively used in addiction treatment and by those in long-term recovery from substance misuse to sustain their hew behaviours. I noticed when I was working in addiction treatment that there are a range of simple, free motivational tools out there that we can all be using to change day to day habits whenever they crop up. I used them on myself to change my eating habits and to start being kinder to myself after a lifetime of yo-yo dieting and negative self-talk. Seeing how effective they can be made me want to share them with as many people as I could.

Could you share one technique or tip that might help in the process?

Make a list of all the difficult things you’ve managed to do in your life. All the achievements and anything you’re proud of yourself for. When you’re finished, take a photograph of it on your phone. Then, when you start trying to change your habits and inevitably face moments when you doubt your ability to push through difficult, glance at that list to remind yourself of what you’re capable of. It will help you push through. 

You’ve got your second book ‘The Last Diet’ being released at the end of the year. What lead you to write this book?

The Last Diet is more personal than The Kindness Method, and required me to be a lot more vulnerable. I wanted to write the book I wish I had 20 years ago, one that showed me it was possible to enjoy food and still maintain a weight I was happy with. Most importantly, a book that helps others realise what I now have: that losing unwanted weight is far more easy when you learn to love and accept yourself regardless of your weight. 

What has been your biggest learning to date?

Speaking to myself like I’d speak to someone I love has enabled  me to accomplish things I never thought I could before and command respect that I never felt worthy to before. 

What inspires you?

Young people in recovery from drug addiction. I work at a recovery house for young women who are completely abstinent and I am in awe of how self-aware, resilient and knowledgable they are. They are growing up in a world that totally normalises alcohol abuse and they’re finding ways to accept and embrace that they won’t be able to do so many of the things their peers will. I find them extraordinary and I can’t profess to have had a fraction of the maturity, capacity and insight they have at their age. 

‘Speaking to myself like I’d speak to someone I love has enabled me to accomplish things I never thought I could before’ ~ ShahroO

@SAIKI.WELLNESS

What is your favourite ritual?

My 5-minute morning check-in. While I drink my coffee, I quickly note down the things I suspect will test me during the day ahead and decide how I’ll respond if and when they present themselves. It enables me to notice how predictable my patterns and triggers are, helps me feel like I’m mastering NG impulse control. 

What other forms of self-care do you incorporate into your day?

I don’t look at my phone for the first 20 minutes or last 30 minutes of the day. 

How can we follow you and your work?

I post a lot about self-esteem, habit-change and my upcoming events on Instagram and Twitter (@shahrooizadi).

The Kindness Method is available on Amazon and has been translated into 5 languages. It can also be purchased an audiobook that I narrated myself, so it can feel like I’m guiding you through the exercises like you’re in a private coaching session! 

(The Last Diet is being released at the end of the year and is available to pre order at Waterstones now.)