Friday, May 27, 2011

Motivational Method

It happens to the best of us: we lose our motivation. Some of us try to power through and never really fall into a slump, but if you are like me, I have to reach for something to pull me out and get me back on track.

One of the tools I reach for when I start to feel like I might be slipping is visualization. I give myself permission to abandon reality and wander into some deep visualization. I use this tool all the time when I go to races. I dare to believe that I am a “champion” a “winner” and that I am equipped for whatever challenges lay ahead of me. This useful method also works for me in my daily life when I simply envision myself as an athlete. I am already at my peak weight and performance and now all I have to do is maintain. Rather than give in to the thought that I am struggling to reach my goal I empower myself with positive self-talk and positive visualization.

Visualization is a powerful weapon. It is free and you can custom tailor it to meet your specific needs. I I have a friend who introduced me to this method some years back. She had lost a considerable amount of weight and was carrying herself very confidently. After a while I felt comfortable asking her what she was doing differently this time, why she was getting results this time. She said she decided to see herself as already being at her ideal healthy weight and fitness level. The work was to live, eat and exercise like an athlete. Her visualization made a potentially challenging process less difficult. It also removed the pressure to meet a certain weight by a deadline. There was no deadline. Although in her logical mind she understood that she was working towards a specific goal, in her mind’s eye she was already there. She was just doing what came naturally for a healthy and fit person.

Motivation can come in a number of ways. Find the one that works for you. But visualization is yet another weapon on your battle against temptation.

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