Overcoming Negative Thoughts

Do you ever stop and think about just how much we focus our energy on negative thoughts?

What is it about negative thinking that is so consuming? Mistakes and failures – who really sets out to waste time focusing on this stuff? I’m going to go way out on a limb here and say … no one. And yet, that’s what we often do. It never does anyone any good and in fact spending a lot of time focusing on negatives, past mistakes, failures, slip ups, etc. isn’t going to get you anywhere. Yes, before anyone feels the need to say it, I know, easier said than done.

But think about it, you’re dieting and training hard, and when you stop and look at the bigger picture, things are probably going pretty well. Stop and take a look back at where you were two months ago (or whatever arbitrary time line that is relevant to you). Chances are, there’s a lot of positive changes that have occurred since then. Are you leaner? Lighter? Stronger? Have better cardiovascular fitness? Faster? More muscular? Or maybe the way you think about food has dramatically improved. Maybe you’re more in control of food (instead of food being in control of you) than ever before. Maybe those you no longer fall prey to the mindset that says “one cookie means you’re a complete failure so bring on the whole box”.

I guess my point in all this is to simply remind you to give yourself some credit for the effort and commitment you put into living this lifestyle. It’s not “easy”. But it IS rewarding. I’ve been told many a time that the self control and discipline that one develops in their fitness goals often spills over into other areas of their life as well.

As I’ve often said, there’s a reason more people aren’t walking around with enviable physiques. It’s hard work. It takes long term dedication, self control and a real desire to ‘get there’.

If you’re trying, then you’re on your way to something most adults have been trying to achieve at some point in their life … and yet don’t.

So next time you slip up on your diet or miss a workout, look at the bigger picture. In the grand scheme of your fitness journey, it’s just not a big deal. Pick yourself back up, get back on the horse and don’t look back. Even once. It’s done, it’s over and it’s gone.

Don’t waste another minute thinking about the negative. Think about all the positive changes you’ve made and how far you’ve come from day one instead.

Don’t misinterpret that. I’m not giving you the green light to go off plan any time some emotion or craving shows up. I still want you to continue to raise the bar on the expectations you set for yourself. My point is simply to say that no one is perfect. Mistakes, slip ups, etc., happen. It doesn’t turn obvious success into failure.

And if you do find yourself to be one of those who is always focusing on the negatives, consider a ‘success journal’ where you write down your daily or weekly successes. It could be anything, even just winning the battle against an intense craving for the day. Before you know it, you’ll have a book full of positive reinforcement.