Whatever your goal, it doesn’t just require a change in actions. It requires a shift in your mindset. What you think about yourself matters! So what do you think about yourself in terms of your goals?
If you were a smoker trying to quit but still talked like a smoker by saying, “I want to quit smoking but the cravings are hard,” then you still identify yourself as someone who smokes. Not as someone who has quit. Instead, if you were to say, “I do feel cravings but I am no longer a smoker, so I do not give in to them,” you have now identified yourself as no longer someone who smokes. Do you see the difference?
What is your goal? Begin telling yourself, you are the type of person who does that. And then continue with the actions to support that mindset.
If you want to eat healthy, you have to think like someone who eats healthy. And tell yourself that is what you are now. If you want to become someone who is fit and active, you must not only become active but also think like someone who is active and tell yourself you are someone who is active. Tell yourself you are someone who goes to the gym and works out, then follow through. Even if it’s only for 5-10 min to start with. Just stay consistent!
Our actions will always follow what we tell ourself and believe about who we are. Now hear me, I’m not saying that you can just claim to be healthy and boom you are healthy. The action and work have to be there also. But your actions will support who or what you tell yourself. It is a cycle. And the actions will never last if we are constantly telling ourselves we aren’t healthy, aren’t active, aren’t _______ (fill in the blank with any goal or skillset). But if I am telling myself that I am a person who eats healthy, is active, manages my time wisely, then those actions will begin to come more easily. So if you are trying to change, stop telling yourself you are still the person from before. Next time you are struggling to reach that goal, remind yourself of who you are and ask, “what would a ______ person do?”
Want to learn more about changing your mindset and creating healthy habits that will get you to your goal? Schedule a free consult for health coaching where I work one on one with you to help you reach your goals and maintain them.
For more resources on creating habits try these books or audiobooks:
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