Self-Talk
On my holidays I read a powerful yet simple book that reflects each of us. I will leave the name of the book till the end, for reasons you will see when the title appears!
It has lead me to this blog post. It certainly cannot replace the excellent prose by the author, however his, and my message, is clear. We have thousands of thoughts roaming around in our brain, especially the emotional area, which dictates how we behave and react. Whether we are facing decisions at work, at home, facing the dilemma of which food to choose, whether we should exercise or not, even making a decision about cleaning the house; the chatter can be overwhelming and not in a good way.
Consider what I hear on a daily basis. I failed. I cheated. I'm lazy. I have no motivation, I'm off track and don't know how to get back on track. I'm tired and have no energy to exercise. Now, believe me, I have the same thoughts. However, this chatter is unnecessary and unrealistic, it holds us back and prevents us from finding solutions. Worse, it's truly not who we are. We aren't stupid or lazy or lacking in motivation. This chatter comes from somewhere; likely it has been lifelong or it certainly gets worse as time goes on. We must learn to first, realize we have constant negative thoughts going on all the time, and second, to realize it isn't based in reality.
This is not about trying to force ourselves to do those positive affirmations which (for me at least) can drive one crazy; it's simply realizing we talk to ourselves constantly and those thoughts impede progress.
He made a good statement in one chapter saying to all of us "I am not my thoughts, I am what I do”. When it comes to food, don't listen to anything that is holding you back. Those thoughts of ‘I can't do this' or ‘I always mess up' or ‘I shouldn't have eaten that'. Don't dwell on this chatter; just make a better decision the next time. Constantly look at where you want to go, what you want to achieve and don't let unnecessary thoughts hold you back.
You are what you do, not what you think.
Exercise is the same; we avoid going to the gym "because we are tired”. Deep down though, your goal is to become fit and this simple negative thought has blocked your progress. Just go to the gym. Don't listen to this chatter. Also, it's self-fulfilling. We won't go today, thus we are less likely to go tomorrow.
Better (if you want) read the book, or even part of it.
The title, well the title is "UNFU*K YOURSELF. I hesitantly picked it up at an airport store, but was pleasantly surprised how well written and simple it is. The author is Gary John Bishop (no relation).
Do. Don't think "I can't”.
You can do it. Keep trying. Never ever give up.
Dr. B