
They are so powerful, in fact, that they can sway the way you think, what you believe, how you act, and the outcomes that you experience.
You can tell yourself things that justify blowing off a workout, eating crappy food, ignoring your stress levels, denying yourself a healthy & happy life, and more…
So, if the goal is to have a body you feel confident in, and a life that makes you happy, you must pay attention to the words you speak.
You must pay attention to the words we tell yourself…. Both out loud and silently.
Two of the most destructive words in your vocabulary, especially related to weight loss & fitness are:
WHEN
And
THEN
These two words are used together in sentences to futurize actions, change, and responsibility for our own happiness.
Here are some examples:
When work slows down a bit, then I’ll start going to the gym each week.
When the kids get back in school, then I’ll have more time to food shop for healthy items.
When I have more time, then I’ll be able to focus on my health.
Each of these sentences does one very dangerous thing which is to kick the can down the road and allow a person to feel free of any blame or responsibility for the unhappy life they lead.
“When/Then” statements are so dangerous because they can put off positive change for months, years, decades, and even an entire lifetime.
They completely ignore the power of NOW and the gratification and satisfaction you get from taking action in this very moment.
What To Do Instead?
Start telling yourself things that put YOU in charge of your own destiny, rather than waiting on life to align on it’s own time.
Use words that empower you to take action [no matter how big or small] toward the body and life you want today.
Start saying/speaking/writing things like:
Work is busy, but I can start by committing one evening per week to exercise.
The kids are home this summer & with me all the time, but I’m going to involve them in the healthy food shopping experience.
I have a very busy schedule, but nothing is more important than my health so I will budget 30 minutes per day to do things that promote my health.
Using words that are in alignment with the outcomes you desire will have an ENORMOUS impact on whether or not they come to fruition.
You can start today by telling yourself one positive thing that requires you to take action TODAY.