7 Negative Attitudes that Sabotage Us Fit Chicks!
December 2, 2009
In my opinion, the fitness industry too often concentrates on the negative – an obsession with being thin, the vices of lifestyle (eating too much and of the wrong foods, alcohol, sedentary lifestyle, illness, etc.)
Ewwwww! What a drag! Let’s think positive FC – The best approach to adopting a healthy lifestyle is to modify and change in small, baby steps.
Move away from the obsessive deprivation oriented approach which has us waiting to return to our old ways as a reward! 
Change doesn’t work unless your motivation comes from within. I oughta know! With my depression and bipolar disorder issues, I’d probably never get off the couch (or I’d be off and up on the ceiling and then come crashing down back onto the couch!) if I didn’t make a conscious effort every day to work small positive changes into my life, bit by bit – and not beat myself up for my failures!
Working with our natural instincts, we can shape our own Lifestyle Fitness and it doesn’t have to be complicated.
In reality, inactivity is more of a risk in many cases than someone who is obese but active. So here are the 7 negative attitudes I find come up most not only with me, but with my clients and the wonderful women I run across:
- Replaying the Past. Getting caught up in old stories. You are not your stories. They become part of your current experience and how you define yourself. The dark memories of the past don’t determine the outcome of your present efforts.
- Discounting. This mental habit not only takes away the benefits of exercise, but you begin not to honor yourself. Phrases like “Oh, what difference does it make anyway?” and “How is that going to help me?” serve only to erode your self esteem and confidence.
- All or nothing thinking. An attitude of “I can’t do anything right” or “I can never stick with a clean eating program” or “If I can’t do it perfectly, why bother?”When there is no flexibility there is no opportunity for good health. You think of yourself as a failure and you sabotage the person you’re most trying to help – you!
- Focusing on the negative. One of the most serious detriments to positive action is continued negative feedback. How much of a motivator is it to focus on poor results as a way to motivate yourself – in any area of your life? Stop worrying and start moving.
- Living for the future. Trying to motivate yourself to healthy, organized living by telling yourself how great everything will be “someday” or a year from now is an exercise in futility. It is distracting and draining. Stay in the present moment. If you’re not pursuing your life with joy now – you won’t be happy 10 years from now either. Practice daily the art of concentrating on the present moment and defining how you want to live your life now – in a way that energizes and motivates you. That will make your healthy lifestyle a reality.
- Pretense and denial. It’s about holding yourself accountable and not fixing blame or living your stories about yourself. Focus your awareness on what you CAN do to stay healthy and become mindful of your intentions and your actions.
- Using self-hatred as a motivator. You’ll never be able to sustain a routine or reach your goals if you use a negative self image as a motivator. Did you know that negative feelings actually increase your risk of injury, as they interfere with movement and coordination? Focus on loving and accepting yourself as you are right where you are and celebrate every success no matter how small!
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