Whenever you struggle with your eating or with gaining weight, you might be tempted to describe yourself with words such as fat, lazy, failure, or screw-up.
Unfortunately, when you create a negative view of yourself, you will usually match it by how you live.
For example, if you hold a daily image of yourself as a “pig” or a “fat slob,” you’ll probably continue to live like one.
In fact, if you attempt to motivate yourself by using a “fat” photo or a picture of a pig, it usually backfires.
You see, your brain doesn’t recognize the difference between a negative image and a positive one, and it may assume that you actually want to look like the pig.
To change the way you see yourself, you may have to create a different picture.
So instead of viewing yourself as a failure, come up with a positive, happy name tag that moves you toward your goals.
Use this descriptive word anytime you are deciding how to manage your life challenges. For example, Cheryl liked the word fit, so she used that as her description.
Now, whenever she’s at a party or dealing with a stressful day, she asks herself, “How would a fit Cheryl handle this?”
Today’s assignment (My answers are in blue.)
1. Choose several words or a phrases for describing yourself. Examples include balanced, fit, healthy, strong and solid. Write your favorite ones below.
Bouncy, strong and flexible, healthy and happy
2. Pick one of the above words and write the phrase “I am a ________ (healthy, fit, etc.) person” then fill in your new word. Write several if you like.
I am a healthy and happy person.
I am a well-balanced person.
3. Describe your daily life by saying, ‘This is what a ________ (healthy, fit, etc.) person does.” Insert your name after your chosen word. Write a list of places or situations where you’ll apply this.
This is what a healthy and happy person does:
Exercises 5 to 6 days a week
Follows a healthy meal plan almost every day
Enjoys all aspects of nature, taking walks, noticing trees.
Excerpted from Day 80 in the book, 100 Days of Weight Loss