Resolution season is upon us. The usual influxes of people are hitting the gyms. Maybe they have delayed putting their health as a priority and are now trying their hardest to begin new habits. The “New Year New You” movement plan in full force. Why do these plans fail so often? A lot can be to do with the self talk that sets us up for failure before we even start.
Linguistic intervention from within is key to any success, from health goal-setting through to all aspects of life.
We can ask ourselves questions that may illuminate what the true self talk might be. Questions like:
“I have a goal, so when will I know I have attained it (my goal)?”
“What will this outcome allow me to do?”
“What will others say when they see me achieving this goal?”
“What do I need to get my outcome? Have I done this before?”
“Can I act as if I already have this goal?”
There are many ways to reframe how we think, from our reactions to our actions. The first step involves recognition of a pattern. Simply ask yourself why you react to things the way you do- and is it negative or positive.
An example may be that you are wanting to “lose weight” in which case you have already LOST the battle due to the psyche deciding to LOSE something. Rephrase it to be “I look and feel great at (insert your goal weight), and I love being able to wear my favorite size in clothes.”
The common traps we sometimes fall into when situations and negative self talk occur (how we internalize, explain, or rationalize things), can be redirected to positive and productive cognitive behaviors. Only then can we truly find a healthy relentless resolve to change.