BE WELL
“May I...?” Of Course I Can
Patrice Jones, contributing editor
So, you’ve decided that this is it! You’re fed up and tired of being overweight and unhealthy and you’re ready to embark on a weight loss journey to get healthy and fit. There’s just one small problem; you don’t believe in your ability to do it. “How many times have I tried before and failed? Who am I fooling... I should just be comfortable being overweight... Maybe I’m just big-boned and meant to be this size.” Stop it! Turn your “can I do this?”, into “may I do this?...Of course I can” You’re in charge of your body. What are you going to do, tell yourself ‘no’? That’s absolutely not an option. Here’s a concept, give yourself permission to be successful! You CAN do this and here are the three things you’ll need to do it:
- Focus:
Develop a detailed list of short-term and long-term goals. If your long-term goal is to be achieved over the course of 1 year, try breaking your short-term goals into quarterly goals (3 month increments). Be sure you educate yourself about healthy methods and weight loss timeframes, or consult a certified health and fitness professional. Once you’ve developed your list of goals, do not let anything or anyone come between you and your focus. Maintain a ‘virtual’ eye contact with your list at all times.
“May I do this??...Of course I can!” - Prioritize:
We are all busy with the day-to-day tasks of life. As I tell my clients, “Life happens, but you must continue to focus and keep moving!” You may be in school, have a large family, be an active church member or work multiple jobs. When it’s all said and done, if your health falls wayward, all of those things will come to a screeching halt, without question. Make ‘to do’ lists and be sure to update them daily. Take a few hours out of every week where you sit down and do nothing but organize and prioritize. While doing so, put ‘you’ at the top of the list. For example, schedule time to purchase healthy groceries and workout vigorously.
“May I do this??...Of course I can!” - Positive-Self-Talk:
“I can’t do this...I’m too tired...I don’t have time!” Eliminate negative self-talk; it’s toxic! You must encourage yourself to do better every single day. The task of weight loss and healthy living is by far one of the most challenging things you will ever attempt. In order for us to be successful, we must first realize that we are capable of succeeding. Write a list of ‘positive affirmations’ and read them aloud daily. Make positive affirmation signs and post them throughout your home. Be sure to include the words ‘determination’ and ‘resilience’.
“May I do this??...OF COURSE I CAN!”
