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Self Talk and Weight Loss
By Jim | August 4, 2008
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One thing I’ve noticed working with so many weight loss clients is that almost without exception they are too harsh on themselves.
Often, it stems from the mistaken belief that they need to be “hard” on themselves, but there is a huge difference between being hard on yourself and being supportive and helpful.
One of the techniques I often suggest to instantly illustrate the difference is to imagine saying the things you often say to yourself (in the tone you say them in) to a person in your life that you love.
For example, imagine saying to that person “you’re so lazy and stupid, you’ll never lose weight”. (harsh I know, but I want to point out the things that people are often saying to themselves constantly). Do you think that would motivate them or just make them feel bad?
Now, imagine you wanted to help and support this friend. What would you say to them? Notice how your words and tone are different, probably more supportive. What would happen if you began talking to yourself this way?
Remember you don’t need to be harsh with yourself to get great results, you need to be effective and helpful.
August 7th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Wow. This is really great advice. I never really thought about it that way. Thanks.
August 12th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
I think of that very often! I find myself offering encouragement to a friend who might have gained, or lost little, and when it is my turn to weigh in (I go to weight watchers) I will automatically tell myself things like…you should have lost more, or you are such a failure if I gain. I have to consciously remind myself that this is a lifelong process and I am doing a great job making the life changes.
September 8th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
thanks for your share
September 10th, 2008 at 6:40 am
There are numerous research studied that show just that point, that people eat based on what they see, but they are all in hidden in scientific journals. This is a great video that makes the information available to every one. Thanks.
October 19th, 2008 at 6:10 am
Hey, I do this a lot! Most of the time, I find myself thinking that I’m a no-good failure if I lag in my exercise, or if I overeat on occasion. I believe that mind over matter really works, but as your post sensibly points out, sometimes it can get brutal. Wow.. I really need to rethink my strategy.