Losing weight is just as much a mental battle as it is a physical one. Many people never start because they are already defeated in their mind. Thoughts such as “I’ve tried and failed before” or “I’m destined to be fat” or “I can’t overcome my genetics” plague people every day.
A study done at the University of Toronto showed that 80% of people’s thoughts are negative. No wonder so many people are stuck being overweight because they constantly think all day long why they can’t lose weight.
The good thing is that you have control over your thoughts and can reverse the trend from being negative to positive. Most psychologists agree that actions first start out as thoughts so by changing the way you think your corresponding actions will soon follow. Author and educator Skip Downing says that people have three main “inner voices.” Not literal voices talking to us but more like a constant inner chatter going on in our heads…our thoughts. He calls them the:
- Inner defender
- Inner guide
- Inner critic
A person dominated by their inner defender is very defensive and is always looking to blame others for their problems. A person who listens to his or her inner defender would say something like “I can’t lose weight because the gym is too far from my house.” They might also say something like “I’m destined to be fat because my parents raised me on fast food so now I am addicted to it.” The bottom line is – they blame others for their problems and will not take personal responsibility.
The other negative voice is the inner critic. This is the voice that tells you you’re the one to blame and that you’re not good enough to lose weight. People who listen to their inner critic are plagued with low self esteem. The inner critic judges his or her self and says condemning things like “I’m too fat and lazy I’ll never lose weight” or “I’m not tough enough to exercise or stay on a diet I’m just a loser.”
The other voice is the inner guide. This is the inner dialogue that we should be listening to that says things like “I can lose weight and I deserve to look my best!” There is power in your words and sometimes you have to start talking like you can lose weight before your actions will fall in line.
A great way to keep positive and help get your mind right is to create some affirmations and repeat them every day multiple times per day. When you start catching yourself get negative say out loud “I can lose weight” “I will reach my goals” or “I will lose that 30 pounds.”
It may also be helpful to post those words around the house like on your bathroom mirror to serve as words of encouragement and inspiration. Also, pick up some good books that will serve as encouragement that you can read when you begin to feel your will power or motivation slip.
It’s also a great idea to surround yourself with positive people who can lift you up rather than tear you down. Once you start losing weight people will come out of the woodwork and try to tear you down. You should distance yourself from naysayers and get involved in a support group, gym or internet community where people are supportive and uplifting.
Just remember, you have the power to change but you have to watch your words because they will help keep your attitude in check. There’s an old proverb that says the tongue is like a rudder to a ship and the person who learns to control their tongue will be victorious. So just as you need to exercise your body remember to exercise your tongue by speaking positive words and maintaining a positive thought life.
