Mind Over Matter = Motivation

Dr. Ian Smith

Sometimes I chuckle to myself when I look at my bookshelf. I have quite the collection of books on dieting, nutrition, and exercise by various authors including: Bill Phillips,  Jillian Michaels, Bob Harper, Dr. Ian Smith, Dr. Pamela Peeke, and  Paul McKenna.  However, when it all boils down to it, they are all pretty much saying the same things -- in order to lose weight and be healthy you need to eat more of the right foods and less of the wrong foods and you need to move more (i.e., burn more calories than you consume).  That really is the oversimplified summary of all of these books. As it turns out, losing weight is not rocket science...but in the search to find that elusive answer to my weight loss woes I've amassed a collection of  fitness books.

Dr. Pamela Peeke

So I realized my issue was not knowledge. I, like many people, know what to do. I just don't always do what I know. For a lot of folks, motivation is a huge obstacle standing in the way of reaching their goals. There have been many times when I was lacking motivation and I couldn't articulate why...so I decided to highlight some things which helped me get back on track.

First, I firmly believe every significant change starts with your mind. If you conceive it and believe it, you can achieve it. The mind is a very powerful entity and if you don't focus and "train" your mind you probably won't see results.

Trainer Bob Harper

This includes eliminating the negative self-talk or ANTS (automated negative thoughts) which often times are subconscious and involuntary.  You may be surprised at the number of negative thoughts that enter your mind each day about yourself unless you pay special attention. These need to be replaced with positive affirmations...and sometimes we have other people in our lives who are thinking or communicating toxic thoughts and we need to distance ourselves in order to heal and make progress. It may sound silly but I write positive affirmations on 3x5 cards and post them around the house as reminders. It's amazing what effect positive thoughts have on your mind and your mood.

Second, reframe how you think about food.  Many people who are overweight are emotional or social eaters. They are self-medicating themselves with food - stuffing down their emotions, instead of expressing and dealing with them. Often there are painful issues in the past that need to be addressed or worked out in therapy.  Once you internalize that food is  simply  fuel for our bodies and not a reward or cure, you will be less likely to overeat or have those uncontrollable cravings.

Third,  realize the "power of now."  All we have is right now and the past has no power over us. No matter how many times you've tried and "failed" you can get back up and try again. Today is a new day. Today is the first day of the rest of your life.

Trainer Jillian Michaels

Finally, find something -- a goal, event or  person, that encourages you and gives you something to strive toward. Maybe you want to look good for a high school or college reunion or a vacation or cruise. Perhaps there's someone you admire who has lost as much weight as you want  to lose.  Cut that person's picture out and hang it in a strategic place where you will see it everyday as a visual reminder. I know for me I have a vacation coming up and a physique transformation contest which is providing extra incentive for me to stay on track with my fitness goals.

Weight loss is not easy. It takes time  and some effort....but it's all worth it. You're worth it!  If you "get your mind right" there's no limit to what you can do. It all comes down to your choices. You choose what you want, where you will go and how you will get there. Just be willing to further your journey a little bit more each day.