Avoid Negative Thinking; Choose to be Positive
Negative self-talk is a destructive habit and part of
an essential defense mechanism that we often develop to
protect ourselves. Many people end up talking themselves
out of actions that may be scary or uncomfortable. "I
can't do this" is really just a way of saying "I
don't want to deal with the experience of doing this."
We are all strongly influenced by our feelings, often determining
how and what action we ultimately take. If the feeling is
uncomfortable, negative self-talk results; then we often
decide not to take any action at all.
Many people assume that if a past experience produced a
certain result, there is nothing they can do to change that
experience in order to produce a different result. "I've
tried every diet there is. I know what I should do; I just
can't do it."
Please understand that you can make the choice not to repeat
old patterns of eating, non-exercise, and negative thinking.
You have the ability to choose the emotions you have. If
you don't like feeling guilty, frustrated, or doubtful,
you can choose not to. You, and no one else, must decide
what is comfortable for you. In order to become successful
at making healthy choices, you must avoid negative self-talk
and start practicing positive thinking.
Positive or negative self-talk plays a big part in your
decisions. Be on the "look-out for negative self-talk
and notice how it influences your choices; notice how it
can negatively affect your efforts to change. For example,
perhaps you've just returned from a week's vacation where
you took a break from exercise and low-fat eating. You tell
yourself, "I feel so fat. I'm back where I started."
You feel guilty and frustrated. "I don't have enough
will-power to start all over again. Maybe I'm just meant
to be overweight." Feeling overwhelmed and discouraged,
you give up. |
