I found this article in my inbox this morning from the Biggest Loser Club and wanted to share.
Mantras for Motivation
Say it with me: "Being positive counts."
In trying to lose weight, sometimes, negative voices in your mind can trip you up. You might put too much pressure on yourself to succeed; then when you miss the mark, you beat yourself up over it.
Maybe you've told yourself that you will fail, again. Or when getting ready to work out, you say "This is going to be hard," "I don't have any energy," "I don't have enough time"--all internal messages that cause your body to react with anxiety and stress.
That kind of thinking immobilizes you and renders you hopeless. If you keep on thinking like this, you'll never change because all of these attitudes interfere with weight-loss success.
"Mantras" or positive affirmations can get you over these head-trip hurdles. Here are some examples:
You can do it.
Just one more mile.
I feel great.
I look great.
I have a strong, healthy body.
I can do this.
Fit feels good.
One day at a time.
I'm prepared for today's workout.
By repeating mantras like these, you keep your attention centered and focused on what you need to do. What's more, you silence the negativity that goes on in your head. The effect is to create a new mental pattern of focusing on the positive, staying in the present, and not worrying about the future.
Using mantras is like any other skill--the more you practice them, the more they'll eventually become part of your positive thought process....
That is great Katie! Did you join the biggest looser.com? wondering how you like it --
I go back into the center tomorrow -- very nervous and hope it works. Although as I am reading your post I am faced with a huge challenge at work now. Our supervisors changed at work again (I work in a call center envrionment) and my new supervisor rewards with nothing but food -- every day just about she has food, meetings are around food, etc. If you dont participate, you are looked upon as being negative. How fustrating ...
Any thoughts on how I deal with this . ... I dont want to fail again!
Thanks for the post Katie. I will definitely remember the positive self talk.
Sue - I would have a private chat with your supervisor and tell her that you have made a serious commitment to improve your health and to please understand that if you avoid a food related activity, it is not a sign of negativity. I am sure she'll understand. When I first started the program, I was one month into starting a new job. When everyone got together for the monthly birthday cake, or asked me to join the girls for lunch, I declined. After a few times, I told a few people that I was following a weight loss plan and that my declining had nothing to do with me not being a team player, or socializing. They all were great about it, and now they are all cheering me on. Even the guys in the office ask me how I'm doing since after losing 50+ lbs it's become obvious that I'm doing something. So just hang in there, communicate why you are abstaining, and I'm sure they will understanding and supportive. Who knows? She may even start having fruit and more healthful things around too.
Sue - why does out society insist on rewarding with food!? Good luck and be strong!
If you are gutsy enough, I would go to her and say, I see you like to reward us with food - can you do me a favor and make sure you include some healthy food choices (fruit, LA snacks, etc) since I really do want to be a part of the team!
Or, instead of food, do you think you can reward us with (a) a few extra minutes off at lunch so you can take a healthy walk (b) a casual day where we can wear blue jeans (c) have a masseuse come in and do 10 minute chair/neck massage! (d) subsidize gym membership (e) parking perks. There are a ton of ways to reward employees other than food (although food is always one of the most initiated rewards).
Sue - let me share this with you. My dh was in a very serious accident a couple of years ago, which due to a brain injury left a few lingering affects (although we still believe for complete healing). When he went back to work, he was very concerned about how this would affect his job. So after much prayer, we decided it was best to be completely honest with his boss and let God handle it. So, he made an appointment with her and explained his lingering symptoms... difficulty in remembering details (His job REVOLVES around compliance issues!), uncontrolled emotions (cry at the drop of a leaf, uncontrolled laughter, once he starts, it takes a few minutes to stop), and some loss of strength in his right hand (he handwrites noncompliances and then keys them into his computer).
She didn't hesitate to tell him what a valued employee he was and to remind him that everyone has memory issues, that a good belly laugh was a great stress relief and "doeth good like a medicine", and she didn't hire him for his muscles! (What a wonderful woman!) They now joke about some of it and he still has minor things still lingering... and he's still one of their most valued inspectors!
So, with all that said, be honest with your boss!!! Like the Amazing Cassi said, tell her you've made the decision to change your lifestyle where eating is concerned. Offer some suggestions for ways she could include you if she wants to, so you are part of the "team" and the reward. Point out that you are concerned that if you don't participate she might be offended, but you really need her support in this as well. I'm sure after the new year, you won't be the only one looking for healthier ways to eat! You might be doing everyone a favor by bringing it to her attention as well!
Okay. I'm through! Sorry that was sooooo long!
Thanks everyone! it would alot easier if I didnt fight this battle all year during 2006; I told them I was on a strict diet, bla bla bla .. but fortunately, I was never exposed to this supv very much; now they changed and I have her. This is an ongoing issue (I feel) in the environment I am in, but when you say something, you are considered "complaining"). I do believe I will say something to her directly that I am axious to work under her, but appreciate her understanding that I do not participatei n the food nights (which are 1-2+ x a week, which is INSANE ...).
I even talked with my manager once about it -- offering to do a biggest looser club, make one night a salad night, etc. but it doesnt happen. The holidays were horrible (but yummy) as they had egg nog, these gormet muffins, chocoate covered apples, for some reason they beleive food is rewarding -- while I agree that an extra 10 minutes for lunch, and ways to stay fit (and healthy) is a better choice . ..
Thank you all for your thoughts! and Katie, thank you for the inspiration -- I might hang it at my desk!
Sue, I used to work at a call center, too, so I know just what you mean about the environment working against you. If nothing else, and after you've had the meeting with your supv, tag along to their food nights but sit back with an apple and a glass of water in your hand. Maybe over time they'll get the message.
Sue- I think if you approach your supervisor with a positive attitude and simply let her know how much you appreciate the reward. Kindly let her know that you wanted to be sure she knew the reasons why you are not participating. Maybe this will open the conversation as to what type of reward you would like! I know I am always open to hearing what my employee's like.. a reward should feel like reward for the employee's, that's the whole point!
Mantras
Maybe over time they'll get the message.
