Today's post is about...well, let me describe it first and then see if I come across the perfect word.
Often times when we start something we don't finish it. Or we finish it several weeks, months, even years later. When we think something is adequate enough or we're content in our lives, we tend to get a little too comfortable and the bad habits start in again.
Content is good. Adequate is okay, but we are capable of so much more than we think. I read a Facebook status today by a good friend. It read, "Your biggest challenge isn't someone else. It's the voice inside you that yells 'can't , but you don't listen . You just push harder. And then you hear the voice whisper 'can. And then you discover that the person you thought you were is no match for the person you really are". My friend is from my college days at CCU and when I knew him he was smoking cigarettes, drinking, and staying out late. Today, he is out in Texas practicing golf and spending hours in the gym. He's given up smoking, drinks only on social occasion, and knows when to call it quits.
We get so consumed in our lives that we don't think about the possibility of achieving something better and the benefits that come with pushing yourself to the next level. There are things that distract us from setting our sights higher like family, friends, work and temptations. Family, friends, and work can be temptations as well as distractions if they aren't aware or supportive of your goals. Even when they are aware you have to overcome challenges because they are not you and may need to be reminded of what you're doing. That's why it's important not to lose sight of your goals and what will happen if you achieve them.
No goal is impossible. If your goal is so big that it overwhelms you, well then you know you need to modify the big goal into smaller goals by asking yourself what smaller steps you can take to reach it. Think of it as a labrynth path out in the middle of a beautiful forest. The forest represents your life, which is beautiful. Every stone is a challenge, and the benches along the way are the goals you've set for yourself until you reach the end. It's a journey and like a labrynth it is meant to be enjoyable, calming, exciting, intriguing, and enlightening.
I don't want to sound like a earth loving hippie from some other era, but it's highly important to use positive self-talk, not just when trying to accomplish a goal, but for life. Positive self-talk needs to be practiced by even the most positive people. One of my clients who had breast cancer once told me that it's okay to have a bad day, but a bad week isn't okay. Using positive self-talk is helpful in these types of situations. Positive self-talk is talking to yourself using positive reinforcement and compliments. So, instead of saying you can't, tell yourself you can!
It's good to have a mantra. A mantra is something that can be repeated to yourself over and over. It is best to find a quiet place when saying it. Say it in your head or out loud, whichever you choose. For instance, if you have difficulty deciding whether or not to go to the gym I like to use the mantra, "I'm only one workout from a good mood".
Don't get too comfortable where you are, because you haven't accomplished what you're truly capable of achieving. If you MUST have those chips in the cupboard and you feel terrible after you eat them...stop buying them and get rid of the temptation. If you're not happy with the way you look, start exercising. It can be fun, and no one's lying when they say exercise increases your endorphins. Endorphins play a key role in mood regulation, and improved mood leads to improved memory (no, really, research has found this to be true) and improved positive self-talk, which in turn means a better chance of achieving what you want to do. Even if it isn't exercise related. It could have to do with saving money for a house, but it's still a goal and takes time to get there. It only takes 20 minutes to get your oxygen levels up. So there's no excuse.
What happened to John when he wanted to lose 100+ pounds and then he took a few months off from exercise and healthy diet skills? John got too comfortable when he saw a little bit of results. He was feeling better about himself, which means he also felt content. After a few months of slacking on diet and exercise John was back to square one. He was unhappy and realized he needed to do something to lose the weight again, but he should have just continued from day one because he would have been a lot closer to his goal if he didn't give up due to contentment.
I hope you understand what I am saying. You are far more capable of doing what you thought was impossible. Nothing is impossible, you just need the right toolbox. I wish you luck and if you ever need inspiration, just ask for a little and I'll be happy to help!
Sincerely,
Kelsey Sellers
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