Do you feel like you are always giving something up to succeed? This could be in any area of your life. diets (#1 incorrect mindset), financial, health, relationships? I’ve had many coaching sessions over the years, and particularly this week, where clients commented that they felt like they were “giving up” some things to be healthy. I totally understand.
That is the mindset that has been taught for many years and is used by the media to sell you things. A short list of things people feel like they are giving up: cheeseburgers, wine, friendship, time for themselves. Does any of this sound familiar? What just popped into your mind? Here is how you can re-think and feel differently about these things.
First, note that these are the very things that are making or keeping you unhealthy. They are your current habits or comfort areas. How many times do you find yourself saying or thinking “I want XX.” (the opposite of what you have)?
Let’s do a mindset shift. Instead of thinking you are giving something up, consider what you are gaining. – Improved health, lower weight, less stress, quality relationships, increased happiness, new energy space for good things to enter into your life. These all sound pretty good compared to the old habits list. Right?
One way to feel like you are gaining and not giving up is by Replacing.
1. The full cheeseburger fries meal can be reworked for full satisfaction by ordering protein style (no bun), share one order of fries between a few people, replace the shake or high-calorie soda with zero-calorie lemonade. Still yum, but lower calories and more aligned with what you ‘want’.
2. Friendship or relationship that is toxic or draining to you – (this is one that you and I can cover in-depth in a coaching session). Consider how you feel around particular people. Treat your relationships like a bank account – be sure there are deposits and withdrawals. If you are on the side that only gets the withdrawal and you have nothing left to give someone because they keep taking from you, consider a change.
3. No ‘Me time’ – this is one of the easiest to remedy. How many times in a day do you say or hear people say “I don’t have time for….” ( I did it last night and immediately called myself out for saying it because I chose something else instead). We all have the same 24 hours. It’s more about how you prioritize and effectively use or choose your time. Write out your daily plan every night, then stick with it as much as possible. There are always adjustments to be made so work with that, don’t let it derail you.
Schedule the ‘Me Time” as an appointment, workout time, relax with a book, yoga, whatever makes you happy and resets your energy.
Todays short summary – For one reason or another, we perceive making changes as a daunting task and sometimes so much that we can talk ourselves right out of it. Your lesson for today is simply this: I want to challenge you to start asking yourself 2 questions when you think you are giving something up.
- What am I GAINING now
- What can I replace the old habit with that supports my current GAIN?
This personal challenge is a great new habit. Congratulate yourself for putting it into play wherever you want to change in your life!
