It's very easy to talk yourself out of doing something healthy.
Whether you're struggling to hike a mountain, thinking of the drive through, don't want to do your knee rehab, or don't want to escape the confines of your comfy bed.
Here are some examples of how to turn the tables on your negative self-coach.
Whoa - it's been a long, stressful day and I'm beat. I'll just hit a drive-through on the way home.
No you won't! Your body needs regenerative, wholesome food right now. Stop by the grocery store and grab a roasted chicken, pre-washed lettuce and two veggies, and you've got a meal in 5 minutes.
First minute of this spin class and I'm already feeling gassed!
Just relax, first couple of minutes are often tough, as your lactate system is predominating. You know you'll feel better after a couple of minutes when your aerobic system starts to dominate.
I'm running short on time - I would only have a half-hour at the gym if I went now. I think I'll skip it.
NO YOU WON'T! Stop thinking in dichotomies, you can get a lot done in 30 minutes. Just go now. Don't think about it. Brab your gym bag, car keys and get there!
I think I need to stop
Don't even think about it! You got to this point, make the most of it. You'll feel a FAR better sense of accomplishment if you finish what you intended to do.
I don't have the will power to stop eating ice cream
Enough excuses! Figure out ways to avoid it and replace it with healthier food. Forget about will power, try "want power" - you "want" to and "will" cut back on the ice cream.
Oh those baked goods smell so good - maybe I'll grab a donut.
WRONG! Yes, it smells good, acknowledge it, and move on. Get to the produce section, STAT! If you don't buy the donut you can't eat the donut.
Well, I've already blown my diet today so what the hay, I'll dig into those chocolates that have been taunting me.
That's a copout! This is the very reason NOT to go off the rails. Stop the lapse NOW. It happened and you need to move past it, and get back on track, starting 1 minute ago.
Ooh, my shoulders ache
Yeah, Rick Hansen's did too when he went up the Great Wall of China... in a wheelchair - with debilitating tendinitis and blistered and calloused hands.
I'm running late - I'll have to grab something when I'm out.
Stop right there! Open your fridge and cupboards quickly and grab anything you can find that's healthy. It'll take less than 3 minutes to put a few snacks together.
Man... 6:00am already... I really need the extra sleep today.
NO - get out of bed now. Don't think about it. Just turn the alarm off, and get yourself going. You'll feel much better having your workout over with.
The key in any situation is to recognize excuses, rationalizations and other negative thoughts, and nip them in the bud. Replace those excuses with feasible, healthier alternatives. It takes practice, but can be done.
What are some of your self-coaching tips?
Image Credit: Healthy snack ideas
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