Mental Strategies Part 1

Mental Strategies: Creating New Mindsets

Changing your mindset is just as important as changing your body.  Over the next few days we will be challenging you to change your mindset and giving you tools and strategies to think like the winner that you are.  Learn how to be in charge of your mind, the importance of having a positive attitude, and making the commitment to never give up.  You’ll also become a pro at making mini-goals and having the flexibility to deal with change.

What Is Your Strategy?

“Imagination is more important than knowledge.  For while knowledge defines all we currently know and understand, imagination points to all we might yet discover and create.”
- Albert Einstein

We have heard many times that the body follows the mind.  The thoughts you have will determine the direction your life is headed.  What does this mean when it comes to fitness?  It means we need to have some mental strategies in place to keep us on the path toward a healthier life.  Here are a few tips to help you on your journey.

1.       Imagine.  Imagine what your life will be like when you reach your goals.  What will you look like?  What will it feel like to buy clothes in a smaller size?  What will it feel like to be able to run a race?  Imagine with the confidence that those things will come to pass.

2.       Tell yourself it’s your idea. One thing I heard someone do is when they are lying in bed fighting with themselves about getting up to work out is they tell themselves how much they love exercise.  Sometimes just telling yourself that you love something makes it easier to do.  You can actually convince yourself that something is fun even when it’s hard.  Tell yourself you love veggies.  Tell yourself you love running.  Tell yourself you love preparing your own healthy meals.  Train your mind to do what’s right by telling yourself how much you like doing it.  Soon, I promise you, you will really like doing them.

3.       Watch your mouth.  Be aware of the negative words that come out of your mouth.  Don’t say “I have to go to the gym.”  Say “I get to go to the gym.”  Don’t tell yourself all of the reasons why you “can’t” exercise or eat well.  Tell yourself that you “are able” to do all these things.  Remember you can do all things through Christ who is your strength.  Don’t listen to negative words or thoughts, and for sure don’t talk to yourself that way.  Always be positive in your thoughts and your words.

4.       Remember your blessings.  So many people are less fortunate that we are.  There are men and women all over the world who are so sick they are unable to focus on their health.  Many are incapable of exercising.  When you feel like you can’t go any further in your workout, think of all the people without legs who can only dream of running.  It’s a great reality check that will help keep us grateful for everything we have – the good and even the bad.

When the going gets tough, it’s time to put those strategies into action.  Let them fuel you to keep going when your mind is telling you otherwise.  The biggest battlefield you will ever face is your mind.

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”
-Philippians 4:8

Until tomorrow… be blessed!

Remember to DREAM!