Why
Do We Think We Can't Do It?Why
Do We Think We Can't Do It?
© 1999 Scott "Q" Marcus, THINspirational Speaker
What makes us think we're so weak?
Pardon me while I get on my soap box again (since I'm thin now, I don't have to worry about it breaking) but I watched another in a series of infomercials promising us we can
If it was true that we didn't have to do anything different from what we do now, we'd already be there. If we don't change how we act, we won't be any different. As I'm prone to say in my meetings (repeat it out loud &endash; you know it by heart I'm sure), "If I always do what I've always done, I'll always be where I've always been." The universe will not change its laws to accommodate our whims and needs. Frustrating? Sure. Unfair? Maybe. Nonetheless, it's up to us.
Which leads to my comment. Mr. "Weight Loss Expert" is explaining how he's discovered this new chemical. "Eat it. Lose weight. Don't worry about calories or fat intake or exercise. It does everything for you. Just keep doing what you've always done and the weight will come off." That simple, huh? He adds some comments about high fiber to make it sound legit. But, it caused me to think (when I wasn't getting angry), why are we looking to make these changes without expecting it to take any work? Ever since I was little, I wanted someone to "open me up, take out the fat, close me up &endash; and then I'd eat normal from then on." Of course, I didn't start to "eat normal" in advance. I wanted to be "fixed" first, then I'd change. But it didn't work. Still won't. The sooner I can accept that the solution lies in me (and be sad about it if I need to), the quicker I'll start making the changes I need to get where I want to go.
I think we look for the quick (non-existent) fix because we don't have faith in ourselves. We've tried before. It hasn't work. What makes it possible now? We want this beautiful world of bikinis and sex appeal and good health and we're afraid we'll never get there. Of course, if it hasn't worked before, then we must not do the same thing again this time. We must look at it differently.
In reality, when we're thin, things are basically still the same. We still get frustrated with traffic. Still have problems with relationships and money. Still hate the constant rain. The difference lies in how we handle what comes our way. A thin person does not (usually) eat the entire pantry contents when she's frustrated with her husband. Thin people don't go to parties merely for the purpose of eating (secretly). They behave differently despite the same temptations, obstacles, problems, and thoughts. Therefore, if we can start to imagine how we'll behave with our new bodies and start the actions now, we'll not only get there sooner, but maintain it too.
So, where is this diatribe going? Ask yourself, "Why do I want to get 'there' so fast?" Is it because the journey is so difficult for you? That might be. But it's OK if it's difficult. You have everything you need within you. You are not broken nor weak nor incapable. Of course, it would be nice to make the journey easier. I won't argue with you there. So, imagine how your life will be different when you're thin. Will your confidence be up? Will your clothes fit nicer? Will you enjoy your body more? Look around to see if some of those changes are already happening. Odds are they are. Congratulate yourself for what you've done because you're on your way!
Smile at yourself. Call a friend and playfully boast. Just remind yourself it's already happening; look for the proof, not the potholes. Then, take a deep breath and take one more step, as small as you like, to move toward the next objective. If you fall down, it's OK. When the newly walking baby falls down, we congratulate him for how far he's gone, not how short his journey. Do the same for you &endash; and get up.
Move forward. You have everything you need to "be there." My guess is you're a heck of a lot closer to it then you're taking credit for.
Treat yourself special.
To check out a related advice column, click here: (15 Things to Do To Lose Weight) or click here: (How To Get Past A Plateau)
For
comments and questions:
ScottQ@THINspiration.com
