Thoughts swirl around in our minds all day long. And not all of them are rose colored.
I started keeping track of my non-rosy thoughts this morning (knowing that I would be writing this post)…
- My hair is a mess.
- I should have worded that email differently.
- She’s so much fitter than I am.
- I should get up earlier.
…and it’s only 10:00.
It’s normal to have a wide variety of thoughts. What a relief, right?
The key to creating desirable outcomes has nothing to do with eliminating all of our negative thoughts + feelings. That’s im-fricken-possible! It’s about being able to step back and witness our unproductive thoughts + emotions without letting them run the show.
When you can see the thought + not judge it + not buy into it, then you get to choose how to act – instead of flying on autopilot.
Let’s use, “I’m fat,” as an example.
So many of my clients let these two little words drive their behavior. When your mind starts playing the, “I’m fat,” recording – notice how you act.
Does the thought help you be the person you want to be?
Does it help you do the things you want to do?
My guess is N-O no.
Most of my clients truly want to treat their bodies with care and respect. They want to exercise and make healthy choices. They value self-care.
Now imagine if I could wave my magic wand and just like that, “I’m fat,” no longer had any power over you. Imagine if it didn’t cause you to feel bad or not good enough.
Let that really sink in for a moment. I’m fat = totally unaffected. Did that blow your mind?
How might your life be different if you didn’t have to carry the burden of your thoughts with you?
When we get all tangled up in our story…
- I’m fat.
- I have no willpower.
- I’ll never be healthy.
- I don’t have the discipline it takes.
- I’m a failure.
…it doesn’t help us live our values.
Instead we usually avoid socializing + feel bad about ourselves + plan our next restrictive and cruel diet while binge watching the Netflix show du jour and eating Doritos.
Why do we do this? Our beliefs drive our behavior via the feelings they create. And I’m fat usually creates feelings of shame + insecurity + self loathing.
It doesn’t matter if the thoughts are true or false. The question to ask is,
Does it help me to hang on to this thought?
There’s a simple way to lessen the impact of these thoughts.
When you notice the thought, don’t challenge it or dispute it. Don’t try to push it away or replace it with something positive. Simply replay the words with, “I’m having the thought that,” in front of them.
I’m having the thought that I’m fat.
I’m having the thought that people think I’m lazy.
I’m having the thought that I don’t have what it takes.
See the thought for what it is – a thought. Then ask yourself…
If I let these thoughts guide what I do, does it help me be the person I want to be?
XO ~Robyn
I’m all booked up for private Weight Loss Coaching through the end of 2015! If you want to work with me in January, don’t wait to reach out. Contact me now to get on the waitlist.
Simply click here to schedule a free Discovery Session or email me directly at robyn@chickadeeweightloss.com. Let’s chat and see if we’re a good fit.
I work with fun + smart + courageous women who want a healthier body and a more delicious life! No calorie counting or elimination of food groups required.