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Life is not
fair! People with curly hair want straight hair. People with green eyes want
blue eyes. People who are really skinny want to gain weight, and people who are
overweight want to lose weight. Some people can eat whatever they want while
others, like myself, cannot. So, what is the answer? Do you fight
your circumstances every step of the way, or do you just accept it and make the
best of it?
I think by changing your mindset, it can do wonders on
your progress. I know this is easier said than done, but what is the
alternative? For example say aloud, " I have to exercise today." It
sounds so negative. You do not HAVE to. Now say aloud,"I
WANT to exercise today." Notice the difference? Now say aloud,
"I HAVE to lose weight." Now say, "I WANT to lose weight."
Notice throughout the day how many times you use the phrase “HAVE to”.
Replace it with "get to" or "want to". I have to go to work becomes I get
to go to work. I have to take the kids to gymnastics. Instead, try I
want to take the kids to gymnastics. Negative thoughts turn into negative
actions. Here are some things I have learned:
1. No food rewards!!! Look for pleasures
and rewards that have NOTHING to do with food.
2. You have no control over anything in your life, except your reaction to what
happens to you. Instead use POWER. Power is what we want, control is
the problem. Control makes you tired, causes you to lose control, and
binge. Control is shaming your thinking habits. Examples of these
thoughts or shameful phrases are: should have, ought to have, etc. You have the
power to CHOOSE what you are going to eat. You have power to CHOOSE
where you work, the clothes you wear, and who you associate with. Control
is about BLAME. Power is about taking responsibility.
3. Make your positive, rather than look at the negative side of the goal. For
example, I am going to lose weight so I can ride the MS 150 without as much
effort. Instead of, "I have to lose weight because I will look really fat in my
spandex biking shorts."
4. Base your self-worth on what you are doing, instead of what you are. A good
example would be; I am working really hard at eating right and exercise. A bad
example would be; I am a size 20 and cannot shop for clothes in the regular
department.
5. Experience pleasure every day. Find the joy in the little things. Look
through an old family album. Take the dogs for a walk, take a bubble bath, rent
a funny movie, sit and talk to your kids, call an old friend. Or if all else
fails, throw the cat in the bathtub. If you do not have a cat you can borrow
mine!!!
The Three Traits that Hinder Success
1. An attitude of perfection and "an all or
nothing" way of thinking. Life does not fit into nice little boxes and things do
not always go as planned. These are either salad or chicken wing eaters.
2. People Pleasing. These people never say "no" to anyone. Can you stay
late at work? Can you run the kids all over Gods green earth and sign them
up for a thousand activities. These people are also the type who will eat
whatever is given to them.
3. Highly Intelligent. These people are always trying the newest diets and
“know” everything about diet and exercise. I would love to be able to
erase their diet and exercise hard drive and reprogram it with the right
information. Do not OVER THINK everything. Back to the basics.
Keep things simple. Strength train, eat within your caloric budget
and do cardio is moderation...
My hope and prayers are that 2009 will be
the best for all of you.
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