Starting today, eliminate the belief that things always go a certain way or that you never stay with your goals. Whenever those doubts creep back in, immediately give yourself this new message:
I used to be that way, but now I’m different!
Then come up with a new statement that describes what you can do to prevent this. If the doubts return, remind yourself that now you handle life differently.
Today’s goals (my answers are in blue)
1. Make a list of any fears or negative behaviors that have hurt your weight-loss success in the past. Read each one out loud, and then say, “I used to be that way, but now I’m different.”
Here’s mine:
Giving in and drinking wine, having dessert, eating cookies
Letting my exercise program go
Putting work (like this blog) ahead of exercise
Not doing self-care such as playing my piano
Now, I’m telling myself, “I used to be that way, but now I’m different!”
2. Write new endings for them by completing this sentence:
I used to ____________ (fill in your old behavior), but now I ____________ (write in your new ending).
My answers:
* I used to drink wine regularly, but now I drink flavored water, iced tea and club soda
* I used to let my exercise program go, but now I make it a daily priority
* I used to put work ahead of exercise, but now I stop working every day at 4pm and get on the treadmill or take a walk outside
*
I used to skip my self-care entirely, but now I do something every day
*
I used to eat cookies every day, but now I do nurturing things such as playing the piano
*
I used to eat dessert routinely, but now I appreciate coffee or tea after dinner, and eat dessert only when it’s special.
3. Read your new outcomes often, and then live in a way that makes them true.
I plan to read my list at least 5 times today!
Excerpted from Day 1 in the book 100 Days of Weight Loss