Your mind is a powerful thing. Cultivating a positive mindset can have a massive impact on your ability to create the healthy lifestyle you desire. What would you do if I told you that there are plenty of things you can do to improve what goes on in your head?
Here’s a roundup of some of my favorite tips and tricks, plus links to inspiring articles, that I come back to when I need help supporting my positive mindset.
Which one speaks most to you?
1. Positive self-talk
Notice how you talk about yourself. If you make a lot of negative, self-deprecating comments, you could be unintentionally setting yourself up for failure. How you talk about yourself directly affects the actions you take and whether you believe that you can succeed. If you notice negative self-talk, take a moment to flip the script and reframe your comment in a positive way.
2. Harness the Power of Visualization
If you struggle with getting yourself motivated to do something, start by visualizing doing it. Your brain doesn’t differentiate between visualizing an action and actually doing it, so two awesome things happen when you practice visualization. 1. You get to mentally prepare for doing the activity – this helps overcome that motivation hump. 2. The more you practice an activity, the easier it becomes – visualization allows you to practice so when you get to physically do it, it’s that much easier!
3. Manage Your Expectations
Life happens. Not every day is going to be perfect. The stars will rarely align perfectly and your ideal day may seem completely out of reach. On days like these, don’t give outside circumstances power over you. Remember that you can always control yourself. You are always in control of your choices, your actions, and your reactions – regardless of what’s going on around you.
Read more: Managing Your Expectations: How to Set Yourself Up for Success
4. Give Yourself Some Grace
Set a goal of showing up every single day and doing your very best with the hand you are dealt. Not every day is a good day to work on your goals. Even if it’s not what you planned for the day, you can be proud of yourself for whatever you DO accomplish!
5. Set Yourself Up For an Easy Win
If you’re already struggling with balancing everything in life – why make it harder by setting unrealistic goals? You don’t need to give yourself a mountain to climb. Start with a walk around the block and be sure to enjoy feeling proud for that accomplishment. When you can consistently achieve those smaller wins, you’ll build the confidence in yourself to take on ever bigger challenges.
6. Choose Movement that Feels Good and Makes You Happy
We are stretched to our limits every single day and you may not always have the energy to do that workout social media says you “should” do. It’s even harder if that workout you “should” do makes you want to curl up in the fetal position. When you’re trying to establish a habit of exercise, just choose an activity that sounds enjoyable and will leave you feeling happy. Playing with your kids or strolling outside totally counts!
Read more: Training Doesn’t Have to (and Shouldn’t) Be Miserable
7. Cultivate a Growth Mindset
Remove the word “failure” from your vocabulary and learn to view setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow. Find your silver linings and don’t be afraid to try things differently. Believe in yourself.
“I have not failed. I’ve just learned 10,000 ways that won’t work.”
Thomas Eddison
Read more: Growth vs. Fixed: How the Right Mindset Can Take You Further
8. What are you going to do about it?
You are in complete control of your choices, your actions and your reactions. Only you know what you need today. Take a minute to ask yourself what you need and decide what you are going to do about it. Be positive and kind to yourself. If you need a rest day – take it! If you choose to exercise, pick movement that enhances your life physically and emotionally. Make the most of your day today and reach for goals that you know you can achieve. Then take time to celebrate whatever you are able to accomplish no matter how big or small. And above all, believe that you can and do have control over your positive mindset and your health!
Read more: The Power of Accepting Personal Responsibility
You’ve got this! Share your wins with me on Facebook and Instagram! I would love to see how you’re doing and celebrate with you! Use #mystudyinfitness