How positive thinking can help you reach your weight loss and life goals
It’s all in the power of your mind. Yep, that’s right. Research shows that those who are determined to succeed, more likely do.
The same applies when it comes to weight loss. You’ve got all the tools – the meal plans, the smoothies, the support; you’ve even splashed out on some quality active wear. Theoretically, you’re half way there.
So why when you know what you need to do, do you struggle to do it and find you’re still not reaching your goals?
Whether it’s weight loss related or other goals, a positive mindset is key and is often the difference between success and failure.
Tips for a more positive mindset
If you find yourself stuck in a negative pattern of thinking, give these tips a go. After all you’ve got nothing to lose except the weight.
1. Acknowledge your negative thoughts
Trying to ignore your negative thoughts actually has the opposite effect, they keep popping up and eventually start affecting the way you behave.
By acknowledging your negative thoughts, you can objectively rationalise reality from the story you tell yourself.
So instead of “I haven’t got the time to workout this morning, I’m never going to lose weight” try “I haven’t got the time to workout this morning but I can walk to work/school/the supermarket which will count as exercise for today”.
2. Positive people are more successful
Surround yourself with positive people and eventually you’ll start to feel encouraged, positive and persevere in reaching your goals.
You will definitely experience doubt, failure and uncertainty but when you surround yourself with positive support, you build resilience so you can get back on track when you fall.
The Healthy Mummy Facebook groups are excellent for supportive communities and to start to reach out to other mums on their weight loss journey.
3. Be realistic about failure and success
Quite often we set unrealistic goals and when we fail, we dwell on it. Studies have shown that imagining failure and recovery, instead of the end goal, made people more likely to succeed in reaching their goals.
This has been attributed to the building of resilience and also being realistic about the fact that failure is a part of life. Once we accept it and move on, instead of dwelling on it, a positive mindset is easier to maintain.
4. Find a positive morning routine and stick to it
There are some things in life you can’t change; nocturnal babies, work/life balance or busy schedules. So creating an intentional positive mindset every morning will help you regain some focus.
You may not have control over others but you are in control of yourself and your attitude. Set your alarm ten minutes early to meditate, make a healthy breakfast, go for a brisk walk or to make a list of what you need to accomplish that day.
It will set you up positively for the day ahead. If you find yourself deviating from your positive mindset then practice shifting negative thoughts to more positive ones. Unfortunately this takes practice but once mastered, you will be able to develop a strong positive morning routine.
5. Know your triggers
A lot of negative thinking stems from deep-seated issues – perhaps it’s a learned behaviour from childhood or self-esteem issues.
Once you start being more self-aware and begin identifying your triggers and when they are happening, the negative thought will be easier to get rid off.
A good way to track your triggers is by writing down thoughts or circumstances before, during and after the negative patterns. Do this for a couple of weeks and then review them. You may uncover unhealthy habits or patterns that were not previously obvious to you.
If you’re finding it difficult to shift your negative thinking to a positive one or if your negative thoughts are starting to disrupt your life drastically, it maybe time to seek help. See your GP for options or visit the following mental health assistance help lines:
Samaritans- 116 123 (free 24 hour helpline)
www.samaritans.org.uk
SANEline- 0300 304 7000
www.sane.org.uk/support
Join us on the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge
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Our Challenge includes:
- 28 days of at home exercise routines (no gym needed) – with video instruction
- New CHALLENGE THEME each month – so you’ll NEVER get bored
- Customisable and breastfeeding friendly meal plans
- Time-efficient exercises for busy mums – under 30 mins
- Challenge combines Pilates exercises with interval and circuit
training (HIIT) - Suitable for basic to advanced fitness levels
- Home to thousands of EASY-TO-MAKE recipes!
Join the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge today!
This blog was written by Shara Smith who is a psychotherapist and a counsellor with over 12 years of experience in the mental health, life coaching and self-care sector. While she loves her husband and three kids, she also loves watching re-runs of Sex in the City and baking decadent cookies that only she gets to eat.
