In a study conducted many years ago, two groups of people who were depressed started taking regular walks as part of an experiment.
The people in one group were simply told to walk for 20 minutes each day. The other participants were told the same thing, but with one added instruction.
Regardless of how they felt, they were told to hold their heads high and walk with a spirited step as if they felt great.
When the study was evaluated, the researchers found that nearly all of the participants from the “as if” group reported a significant improvement in their levels of depression and hopelessness.
By acting as if they felt better, they actually did!
In the same way, you don’t have to wait until some day when you’ve lost your weight or found a new job to live at your best.
When you get dressed each morning, look in the mirror and say, “I look great!” Then walk and talk as if you do.
This approach doesn’t mean you should put your head in the sand or ignore the realities of your life. It simply helps you develop a fresh attitude about what’s already there. It also gives you hope that things really can improve.
Here’s a way to use this concept with your weight loss efforts. Live as if you are totally able to manage your weight.
After a month or so of acting as if you feel completely confident about following your diet and exercise plans, you’ll be amazed at how well you’ll begin to match this image.
Today’s assignment (My answers are in blue)
1. Pick one item from the “at my best” list you wrote yesterday. Write it here.
Happy and energetic
2. All day long, act as if that one thing were true. Describe your actions here.
I stand taller, smile more, and laugh out loud!
3. At the end of the day, notice how your outlook has changed. Then write a few notes about how this approach worked for you.
By staying more aware of a simple goal such as laughing more, I find that I actually do it. I know that sometimes, living “as if” I’m at my goal weight helps me do a better job of staying on track with my current weight-loss efforts.