Ever have every intention of going to the gym and somehow you talk yourself out of it?
Or been working out and decided that this is just too hard, and stop?
Or have a project on your desk that you keep pushing off – procrastinating?
What were you thinking???
In each case (of the examples above or one of your own), what were you telling yourself?
If you’re running and thinking “this is soooo hard”, or “I’d really like to walk”, or “I’m totally out of shape, and this isn’t helping”….What are the odds you’ll continue to run?
If you have plans to go to the gym, and you think “I hate the gym, it’s too crowded”, or “I’ll just check my email real quick, and then go”, or “I’m too tired, I’ll rest for a minute”…..do you think you’ll ever make it to the gym?
Same thing with that project on your desk. Do you keep thinking “I’ll do it tomorrow”, or “I don’t have enough time”, or “This project sucks – it’s too hard, and I’m not sure where to start”….will it ever leave your desk?
When you start to think a negative thought, it often spirals into more and more negativity. You go from putting your running shoes on to sitting on the couch watching reruns of Dancing with the Stars and eating twinkies in no time flat.
Instead of letting you thoughts spiral out of control to negative town, I thought we’d create a list of thoughts that will help you get the job done – whatever that job might be.
I’ll start – and you add any that you can think of….
1. I am going to LOVE the way it feels when I’m done.
2. I can listen to some sweet tunes while I do this.
3. This is perfect timing.
4. This will only take ____ minutes. or, I’ll break this up into ____ minute chunks. No problem.
5. How can I make this fun?
6. I love ______ about _________. (focus on what you like about what it is you’re doing – ie, I love being outdoors while exercising)
7. I can do anything that I set my mind to.
8. How can I learn something or push myself with this?
9. Relax. I can do this.
10. I kick ass, and this is going to be a piece of cake (often done with fist pump or rock on sign for added effect).
Got the idea? Now you go.
