Negative Self Talk
If you are looking reach your fitness goals and create a healthy lifestyle negative self-talk is something that has to go.
We all have doubts, especially when things aren’t going our way. But continuing to put yourself down, or think you aren’t worth it or that you aren’t cut out for it is bullshit!
Far too many people get caught up in comparing themselves to others or hit a rough patch and convince themselves they ‘can’t’ by using negative self-talk. Most of the time they do this without even realizing it. This form of language will not only set you back, but if you let it continue it may even stop you from trying again in the future.
Negative self-talk will erode your self-confidence and your belief in your ability to reach goals, create new habits and change your life. The more often it occurs, the less and less you will come to believe that you will actually achieve the goals that you set out to accomplish. If you’ve ever found yourself in this pattern you know exactly what I’m talking about. I’ve known people who get anxiety over trying new activities and programs because they have no self confidence.
I don’t want that to be you, so let’s go over 4 ways that you can combat negative self-talk so that you are pushing towards your goals becoming happier, healthier and fit.
1. Reframe The Self-Talk
Reframe any negative self talk into positive action statements
Example: If you said, “I will never be able to stick to my diet.” Instead say, “Today I am going to focus on eating a healthy breakfast.”
This way, your mind focuses on what you should be doing, not on what you have done. Remember, the past does not control your future, so reframe those statements to be more about effort and the future than what has happened in the past.
2. Keep A Positive Focus
Next, each time that you catch yourself saying something negative, stop and tell yourself three positive things instead.
Example: “ I will never lose any weight!” Instead re affirm to yourself:
- I showed up today
- I did 5 push ups off my toes
- I ate a healthy breakfast instead of stopping at Timmies.This helps to keep you focusing on the good, not focusing on the bad, which is huge for keeping you fully motivated.
3. Address The Issues
Its time to address the issues themselves. Don’t just let the negativity continue to build and build.
If you are continually telling yourself that you can never stick to your fitness routine, look at why you are unable to stick to it. What’s causing you the problems?
And, more importantly, what can you do to stop those problems from happening?
Remember that you need to address any problems that arise. Get more pro-active and figure out a solution that you can use that will help you overcome the issue and keep yourself on the right path to success.
4. Change Your Environment
You’d be surprised at just how much your environment has an effect on you. Surround yourself with supporters. Like minded individuals who have the same lifestyle and goals in mind as you. People who you feel comfortable with to lean on when you need that extra support without judgement.
So there you have 4 ways of stopping negative self-talk. It is very critical that you take steps to end this because over time, it could mean the difference between you sticking with your workout and diet program and you falling off the wagon.
