Changing Negatives into Positives.

March.9 2000

Changing Negatives into Positives

by Sarah E. Rippel, BS, CPT

Ask yourself this question: "Am I happy with how my body looks"? If your answer is "yes", that's great! Most likely you have a healthy attitude and perspective when it comes to body image. If you answered "no", it's nothing to worry about. It is possible to change negatives attitudes into positives.

The best way to start is by replacing self-talk such as "my legs are fat" and "i'll never lose weight" with positive thoughts. To simplify my point,

think of self-talk as being a cassette tape playing in your head. Usually,

if a person's self-talk is predominantly negative, the tape just continues to voice those negative thoughts over and over, further instilling them in your mind, and making it very difficult to attain the body you're working towards.
 

On the other side of the coin, when the tape being played is full of positive, affirming messages, you have no choice but to believe them! Your chances of reaching your goals are 99.9% guaranteed!
 

Not too long ago, I was having a conversation with a client. We were discussing body image, a topic which I tend to be very passionate about, for it affects each and every one of us in some manner. I shared with this client a technique I have personally used to turn negative self-talk into a positive attitude. This technique is used by top athletes and fitness competitors, and it takes only a few seconds to perform. I promise that if you give it a try, you will notice changes in how you see yourself!
 

Take a piece of paper and write down five positive statements about yourself. The messages can be about anything pertaining to you., for example, my last list contained the messages: "I am strong," "I am successful," and "I am in great shape and continue to improve." I taped my list up on my bathroom mirror, so that it was visible. I also made it eye-catching, with big letters and bright colors. Through reading the statements often, I had no choice but to believe them, and I noticed a big improvement in my confidence level! There is nothing that can stop me when my attitude is on track! When you read and reread your list, you will find the messages sinking in, and those nasty, negative thoughts will be a thing of the past! You will find a new passion for your workouts, and a newfound confidence in yourself!

Which would you rather have: a negative, self-defeating attitude which stands in the way of your goals and dreams, or a positive, winning outlook which proves that the possibilities are endless? You decide.
 

It is truly amazing how much power is contained within a person's self-talk. The difference between winners and losers is that winners believe they can win. Winners face their fears and don't hold back,while losers expect to be defeated and live in fear. Do not fall victim to negativity - your attitude will make or break your success!
 

May you be successful in all that you do! 
 

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