If you are like many of us, then you may have a tendency to focus on the negative and ignore the positive. You are not alone. Sometimes, I fall into this trap, too. As a society we are always striving for more and setting high goals and expectations. That can create a mindset that doesn’t allow for you to stop along the way and recognize how well you are doing or have done.
This recognition is a critical element to your success and happiness.
My own example happened this week. I have a goal weight to achieve (with a specific body fat % so I know its quality weight loss) and a workout/eating plan to get there. I was struggling to move the weight number for months and started to get discouraged (does this sound familiar?). But I stopped and asked myself “what I have successfully done to improve my overall health?” I made a list and included every little victory. So my mind went from almost discouraged to victorious and motivated to keep going. (side note, because I didn’t quit, I moved the weight lower and body fat lower this week— Don’t quit!)
The best protection against the negative is to not start these conversations with yourself. Focus on the positives.
Big tip of the Day: Celebrate your wins, no matter how small.
A long-term accomplishment would be to be able to say, “I lost 30 pounds!” That’s certainly an achievement worth celebrating, but it’s not going to happen today. An achievement so impressive can’t happen overnight, and there are no gimmicks or shortcuts that will get you there. An achievement like that is really made up of a lot of small wins along the way, things that might seem insignificant at the time, but that really add up in the long run.
So my advice today is not to focus on the destination. Sure, dream big when you’re setting your goals; but, think small when it comes time to execute the little things each day that will lead to that achievement.
- Did you suit up and show up for your training session no matter how you felt? Massive win! Just show up.
- Did you meal prep last weekend? That’s a win. Celebrate it.
- Squeeze in a home workout after you got stuck late at work? Another win. Give yourself a high-five.
- Substitute an extra serving of veggies for carbs with dinner? Another seemingly small decision that, over time, will add up to big results.
- Got 7 hours of sleep last night? Do that consistently, and your body will thank you later … both in ways that you can see (more muscle tone, less fat, healthier skin) and ways that you can’t (healthier cells and hormonal balance).
So along those lines, what is ONE SMALL WIN that you’ve had over the past week? It might be something that you didn’t notice because you didn’t think it mattered.
But now you know, it does. A lot. Every Win Counts!!
