Learned Helplessness or Learned Optimism
At a conference of the American Society of Bariatric Physicians, my staff and I were privileged to listen to a keynote lecture by Dr. Denis Waitley. He is a Psychologist and advisor to the American Olympic team. His talk was on how we, as individuals, have choices: emotional choices. We can listen to the internal voice of helplessness or turn our minds towards optimism. He noted that it takes about 600 days for an athlete to develop a consistent habit of sport excellence. So, realize that it takes time for each of us to learn to eat consistently well, and exercise consistently. If we learn to keep an eye on our goal, and not allow discouragement to evolve, we will achieve. It may not be easy, but you will reach your goal.
You see, your thoughts are the only thing over which you have complete control. Because your mind is so subject to the dominating influences in your environment, you must take control over those influences by developing beneficial mental habits. By doing so, you translate thought into action. Your success depends on the strength and quality of your controlled habits.
Recently (maybe it's the gloomy weather, shorter days or anticipation of the long winter), I've heard many people say they have "lost motivation,” or they "just can't seem to stop the evening snacking,” or they "feel like giving up.”
Your environment really has not changed, only your thought processes. You must re-define your major purpose. Why do you want to eat well and lose weight? Ask yourself this question over and over, and search for a multitude of reasons. Then you must focus on your ability to eat well and exercise regularly no matter what is going on around you. This is your life, your health, your peace of mind and your future.
As you register (over and over) what you want to achieve in your subconscious mind, gradually you will automatically start working toward that goal using your imagination. The mind is powerful and it will come up with ideas and plans for you to attain your purpose.
As you think your way toward your goal, affirming over and over that you will get there no matter what, you will take action. Each action you take (for example, three days of eating a healthy snack in the evening) it will gradually become a controlled habit, and ultimately that process will become more ingrained.
Be enthusiastic in your thinking. Results may not occur immediately, but they WILL occur. Remain positive about your outcome; be definite in your purpose. Don't be deflected by friends, family or life situations.
If you are presently stuck, spend time on your thinking. Is your mental attitude one of helplessness that you won't find a way out of your habits? Or, can you force your emotions to take an optimistic view: that you are only in a temporary setback and no matter what, you WILL find a solution to turn things around, because you deserve it.
Hang in there. You can do it. Don't ever give up on achieving your goals!
Dr. Doug