5 Tips to stay positive

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How often do you doubt your abilities to accomplish the goal you’ve set for yourself?

I’ve found this to be a tough question for some who are struggling to lose weight, begin an exercise program, or to eat healthier.

Often the problem comes from your own inner thoughts, or from a lack of a solid support system, like family and friends.

You set your goal, you’re ready to do whatever it takes, and something triggers you into believing less of yourself. Your mind is full of negative self-talk that leads you down the path of giving up.

How do you pull yourself up and put yourself back on the track of success?

I’ve learned over the years how to quickly put myself back on track and I use these same tips with my clients when they find themselves ready to quit.

Here are my five favorite tips to keep you focused on the positive while working toward your health goals.

 

When negativity attempts to take over, run to your nearest Judgement-Free Zone

So, you ate the cookie or the slice of pie. You skipped your exercise class yesterday and today. You breezed through the drive-thru, bought the fries and burgers on your way home.

Guess what?

It’s not the end of the world.

Tell those negative thoughts to take a hike, because you’re not spiraling down into the pit of despair and giving up. There’s no tearing yourself up over the little slips and falls of life.

When life happens opposite of how you would like for it to happen, don’t judge yourself. Recognize and accept that you’re not doing your best today, or this week, and move on.

When you put yourself in your judgement free zone, you allow yourself to think positively, rather than negatively, about yourself.

As the song says, “Let it go!”

 

Eliminate the Shoulda Coulda Woulda thinking

You shoulda got up and exercised. You coulda bought a salad rather than the fries, and you woulda felt better if you had.

But you didn’t, so don’t get caught in this vicious cycle of the should coulda woulda mindset.

All you’re doing is telling yourself that you failed.

The only time you fail is when you fail to try. Other than that, you’re succeeding. Stand up tall, eyes forward, and let’s do this.

 

Have you stepped into the trap of validation?

Has anyone ever let you down?

I’m sure they have, and it’s not a good feeling.

When you build your hopes of reaching your goals on what others think, you’re setting yourself up for a fall.

Never allow others to define who you are. You are working hard to reach your health goals and sometimes others can’t see the progress you’re making. They don’t understand what this process has required of you.

When you seek their validation of your progress, you may find yourself in a time of negativity. It’s wonderful to be cheered on by others, and I encourage you to find a strong support system as you work toward your health goals, just don’t allow them to be in control of who you are.

 

Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and move forward.

YEAH!! You’re human.

You’re not perfect and never will be. That said, you must separate yourself from your actions. Your actions do not define who you are.

No shame allowed when you find yourself slipping and falling. We all make mistakes, and you are better than your mistakes. In fact, mistakes allow you to grow. Now you know what not to do the next time you’re faced with this particular situation.

 

Count your victories.

Every day you have victories in your life.

I’m a big believer in journaling. Let me challenge you to end your day in a victory celebration. Grab your journal and make a list of today’s victories.

Did you walk for 10-minutes today?

Did you switch a glass of soda for a glass of water?

Did you laugh today?

What did you do today that you can celebrate? List it all, draw some hearts and balloons in your journal. What a beautiful way to end your day.

 

Keep these tips handy for the next time you begin to feel a little less worthy and negative thoughts begin to invade. Always remember that you are the one who decides who you are and how you feel.

Positive is always greater than negative, and you’re always better than your slips and falls.

Join my Facebook members group Health Living for Life for more healthy living tips and strategies.