We all have one. That voice that frequently pops into our mind and fills us with fear, doubt, worry and more. The mind is truly the one and only thing that can demolish our best intentions. It creates our problems, excuses and procrastinations that allow us to settle for less.
The decision to lose weight, improve your health or change your life in any way is one to be fully respected. The journey can be scary, and as a result, the mind can easily enter a state of fear, doubt and negativity. When we enter into this state of suffering, we often tell ourselves stories like: “I don’t like the foods. I have low energy. I am bored. I feel deprived. It’s not fair. I’m too busy. I don’t have the finances. I feel good enough.”
Consider this: What’s wrong is always available. So is what’s right. These stories filled with problems, excuses and procrastinations are simply the stories you tell yourself. You must instead change your story to one that will encourage your growth toward living an extraordinary life. If you don’t master your body – if you don’t create the best vehicle for yourself – there is no way that you can enjoy your wealth, career success, relationships and life contributions to the maximum capacity.
What if you instead told yourself: “I recognize that nothing in life is fair. I can either ‘deprive’ myself of this chip, or of the life that I truly want and deserve. I look and feel so much better, I recognize that (fill in the blank with your favorite unhealthy food) isn’t worth losing this.”
Remember that discomfort or pain is not a sign of suffering, but a sign of growth and success. Think about Olympic athletes, let’s say runners. Do you think they ever get blisters? When they do, do they give up and stop? Heck no, they push on, get stronger, while their body creates a callus so they never get that same blister again. It’s time to go beyond your comfort level.
Here’s another example: What does it take to build a bicep muscle? Overload. If you don’t overload the muscle – allow it to be sore and repair itself to become stronger, then the muscle never grows. Sit with your discomfort, allow it to be there and let that be okay. Pain and discomfort are part of life; it’s suffering that is a choice. The only way to get through the challenge and reach a new level in your life is to sometimes be uncomfortable. Remember that your soul strengthens through challenge. When what you’re doing gets hard, most people give up. This isn’t you!
This journey of achieving better health is one of the most challenging, yet rewarding journeys of your lifetime. Once you have committed to creating dramatic change in your life, stick with it and honor yourself. You are amazing, you are deserving, you are worth it, and most of all you can do it!
Lead with your heart, train your mind and do not negotiate with your body.
Ashley Lucas has a doctorate in sports nutrition and chronic disease. She is also a registered dietitian nutritionist. She is the founder and owner of PHD Weight Loss and Nutrition, offering weight management and wellness services in the Four Corners. She can be reached at 764-4133.
