Today I want to talk about, well, talk. Inner talk, that is. And how it has the power to literally help us stay more consistent or cause us to give up.
But first, one last reminder that if you have not signed up for the #20x20Challenge and you would like to join the other 4500 women who have committed to completing twenty 20-minute workouts
during the month of August,
you can do that here.
We still have 21 days left in the month—and only 20 workouts. Just sayin’.
Okay, next up, something that is an important message whether you are enrolled in the challenge or not, and that is:
We can create anything we want,
depending on what we tell ourselves.
We talk a ton about mindset (i.e. the way you view the world) because it has the power to change your outcomes overnight. How you think matters. It influences what you say, what you do and what you believe about your own abilities.
If I tell myself, “I never stick to any workout regimen!” well then, I can’t be surprised when I, ahem, quit every workout program I
start.
If I am constantly saying, “I’m so busy, I have no time!” well then, again, I can’t be surprised when I continue to have no time to exercise or time to do anything for myself.
What I believe about my circumstances matter.
What I say, out loud, matters.
What I believe about my own limitations matters.
This is a danger in labeling. This is
a danger in self-categorization:
- I’m fat.
- I suck at pull-ups.
- I hate cardio.
- I never stick it out with anything.
- I would be successful if people in my life supported me more.
- I can’t help that I have sucky genetics.
Can you see how these statements can become affirmations, which then become self-fulfilling prophecies? By continuing to hold on to them and identify with them, I am guaranteeing that they will remain
true.
Personally, I am more aware of my language than ever. Because I know the words that come out of my mouth impact my self-belief.
But I spent many years not understanding that and just allowing my ingrained and unquestioned beliefs to flow out of my mouth: “I’m addicted to sugar!” and “I always look bloated,” and “I have the biggest appetite, I’m obsessed with food!”
These kinds of unchecked and
discouraging beliefs did me a huge disservice.
And it wasn’t until I started catching myself in the moment and turning them around that my outcomes started changing. Miraculously and over a few years, I stopped needing sugar as much, my appetite did decrease and I overcame my food obsession. But I had to see that the alternative was possible first.
Because there’s a lot of wiggle room here for interpretation and
perception.
Some examples of more empowering ways to talk to myself, corresponding to the examples above:
- I’m not as healthy as I’d like to be but I’m doing what I can to improve that right now.
- I can’t do pull-ups yet, but I’m going to continue to get stronger and work toward them. OR, I can’t do pull-ups, but I can row 40 lb dumbbells!
- Cardio hasn’t always been my strong suit, but I’m going to start with a few minutes every day
to improve my stamina.
- I’ve never stuck it out with anything before, but I know that once I create the perfect program for me, it’ll be effortless. I just need to keep working to do what works for me.
- No one is obligated to support me, I need to support myself, I can do anything.
- I might not have the best genetics, but I still have a huge say in how I feel, how I look and how healthy I am. What I do today really matters.
Can you see when you speak to
yourself a bit kinder and give yourself the benefit of the doubt that you are more—not less—motivated to stay the course?
By showing yourself compassion with your words, you internalize a sense of why-not-me? You take something that feels impossible and make it attainable.
Try to catch yourself this week.
What old, unquestioned words, thoughts, beliefs are you hanging on to? Maybe even unknowingly? All you need to do is
have the awareness. Watch yourself.
And if you find yourself doing the old disempowerment routine, try to find the alternative. Try to turn it around to self-compassion and kindness. The latter is way more motivating for long-term success.
Respond back and let me know what you think! What negative voice are you perpetuating that is simply not serving you? I'd love to know -- and also share with me your
turnaround!
Wishing you a great week … and maybe
see you on Instagram (these women are crushing and I am literally all day every
day)!
Xo,
Jill