The Power of Self Talk
A number of interesting studies in recent years explore the power of self-talk.
- Athletes perform at a higher level when they engage in positive self-talk
- Self-talk can be an effective treatment for anxiety disorder
- Self-talk can even help longtime smokers kick the habit
Positive self-talk can empower you to stick with your diet and exercise program longer, resulting in improved self-esteem and physical health. It should be no surprise then that negative self-talk can have adverse effects, actually undermining our ability to conquer weight loss battles.
Avoid These Three Types of Negative Self-Talk for a Happier, Healthier Life
Perfectionism/Extremism
People who engage in this type of negative self-talk see everything in black and white. Things are either good or bad—there is no middle ground.
If you chose salad instead of a burger for lunch, it’s good. If you skipped the gym in order to take the kids to a basketball game, it’s bad. If you don’t perform at 100% everyday then you’re a complete failure.
This leads to discouragement and causes people to simply give up, fall back into bad eating habits, and put their dreams aside. But life isn’t just good or bad. “Good” and “bad” are judgment statements we apply to completely neutral actions. Try to see things on a sliding scale and realize that though we may struggle today, tomorrow is truly another opportunity to succeed.
Catastrophizing
You’ve heard the phrase “making mountains out of mole hills.” People who suffer from this type of negative self-talk see minor setbacks as stepping stones to the terrible future they’ve dreamt up. Unfortunately, people who have failed with diets in the past have a history of disappointment to draw upon.
But the past has no power over you. That’s a powerful revelation! You literally create your own future.
Instead of daydreaming doom and gloom, imagine what life would be like if you were twenty, thirty, or even forty pounds lighter.
- Imagine the extra energy you’d have.
- Imagine a life free from joint pain and stomach discomfort.
- Imagine your new outdoor hobby (cycling, jogging, etc.) or being able to play with the kids in the backyard.
Those positive outcomes should be your end goal—regardless of what the scale says.
Filtering
The adage that applies here is “not being able to see the forest for the trees.” People who filter literally block out all the good aspects of a situation and focus on the bad ones. If you dwell on the times you’ve cheated or the days you’ve skipped out on your exercise routine you’ll quickly lose that forward momentum necessary to make positive progress in the long run.
Life is full of all sorts of wonderful surprises—be open and receptive to them. Acknowledge and even cherish:
- The healthy new recipes you find
- The great new friends you make at the gym or in your walking group
- The beautiful little spots you find on your morning jog
- The meaningful rewards you allow yourself for reaching your minor goals
Eliminating Negative Self-Talk Lets You Live Happier
You’re not on this weight loss journey simply to shed pounds. You started because you want to live better. It’s up to you to make that necessary mental shift and eliminate negative self-talk from your life.
1. Create a positive future
2. Set reasonable goals
3. Reward yourself along the way
4. Constantly remind yourself that the effort is worth the struggle
The Hollywood 48-Mour Miracle Diet can help by jumpstarting your weight loss journey and letting you see results in as little as two days. Learn more about the scientifically proven results and get your starter kit today.