Imagine Success Not Failure
As we go into a long weekend, I was searching for something to help people keep their minds on their long term goal. Whether we eat well or exercise is simply a state of mind; no one else can determine what or how much we eat - only you can.
The mind is a powerful place, but we don't use it as it should be used: "what the mind can conceive and believe it can achieve.” If you think about it, you are only limited by the boundaries you place on yourself. Always force yourself to dream about the things you want to achieve, not the barriers in front of you. The imagination is very powerful. It can work for you or against you. Put a picture up of what you want to look like. Write down goals you want to achieve - it doesn't matter what they are as long as they are positive.
The trouble is, most of us prefer to allow our minds to say: "it can't be done.” We will make excuses, because we ‘feel' the goal is too difficult, so why even try. We allow ourselves to be easily discouraged: "I only lost 1 pound this week, so I've failed and I give up.” All this does is build more doubt to the point where we continually reinforce our own negativity: it creates an underachiever mentality; worse, it saps our joy.
It is amazing how our thinking affects our behaviour. We choose how we behave. We don't have to be in a bad mood - we choose to! Decide to change your thinking. Many people today are victims of all kinds of tragedies: business or marital failure, child abuse, rejection, divorce, verbal abuse, physical abuse, racism, economic injustice and so on. I empathise with them and try to help them keep healthy behaviours through crises, but the greatest tragedy is when the person remains a victim. They become bitter. It doesn't matter where you've been in life. What matters is where you're going. Everybody gets hurt, everybody has disappointments. Hurt is hurt and failure is failure no matter how it's packaged. How you respond to it makes all the difference in the world.
Success in your journey is not based on what has happened in the past but what can happen in the future.
As you head into any holiday, don't develop a victim mentality. You are always in charge of your life. You can eat one half the portions. You don't have to have the large dessert. You can go for a walk after dinner. It's up to you. Don't make excuses of "it's the holidays;” "they expect me to eat everything they prepare;” and, "I'm too tired to worry about food.” I see so many people who take these situations as a challenge. When they control their eating and don't gain weight they feel so successful!
So, don't fall into the negative thinking trap. Change your attitude - you CAN do it! I know it's not easy, but the more you practice positive, successful thinking, the more you will feel empowered over food.
You can do it - just never give up!
Dr. Doug
SPRING WALKING STARTS THIS SATURDAY APR. 3!!
Come join us at 9:00am in the arboretum on Saturday, Apr. 3, 2010 for our first spring walk! We will be meeting every Saturday for the next 8 Saturdays leading up to the National Capital Race Weekend at the end of May. Our walks are very casual, usually between 35 and 50 minutes depending on your pace. All levels of walkers are welcome! Feel free to bring friends, family, dogs, kids, etc!
GETTING THERE: The arboretum is just off Prince of Wales Dr., across the street from the Ornamental Gardens which are part of the Experimental Farm. Turn in to the arboretum from the traffic circle, and then turn left. We meet near the farthest building (building with washrooms) – you can park anywhere around the building.
HOPE TO SEE YOU THIS SATURDAY, OR ANY OTHER SATURDAY OVER THE NEXT 7 WEEKS!!
Dr. Doug's Team