You know, perspective is really important. It is the way you look at something that makes the difference. One way to do this is to shift focus. The best way to do that is to ask the right type of questions.
Let’s look at this more closely. Imagine that if you ask “how can I lose weight?” you will be finding ways to cut things out of your life – probably foods, and food that you enjoy, and getting more exercise – you’d probably see it as a chore. If on the other hand, you asked yourself – “how can I get fitter and healthier (which is what you would end up if you dieted and exercised more anyway), you would be focussing more optimistically on how to make changes in your life to achieve that goal. I’m sure you would find ways of exercising that you enjoy, you would perceive the food that you would be eating in a more positive manner and you ‘d enjoy it more as well.
When I first started walking up the steep streets behind my place, I used to use a mantra as I walked – strong legs, tight butt – in time to my pace – one word per movement - It worked for me and I found that my physiology changed as well when going uphill – going up seemed a whole lot easier.
There are many other areas in life to change the questions we ask ourselves.
Instead of asking how can I feel less stressed, ask how can I feel calmer
Make it a question around something that has meaning for you. If you know what your values are, pick out one of those values and find a way to do something around that value. If you value timeout and solitude, ask yourself what can I do, or where can I go, for 15 minutes today –(I have an Art gallery about 2 minutes away and a rose garden about 5 mins down the road.
If fun is something you value ask, “What can I do today to laugh more?”
You’ve got it?
The thing that started this for me today was a video that was emailed to me by a marketing company pointing out that the questions we ask impact upon our results in business, and so it is for any area of our lives.
The analogy used was that of a very large boat, one of those multi-million dollar ones you see in marinas, weighing tons, being propelled by a small propeller. In other words, it’s the little things that move us forward. It can be just a small shift in attitude that can create a great day as opposed to a crappy one.
Hmmmmm………So, my question for tomorrow, Monday 6 February is going to be “What can I do to make my day more efficient?”
What will be your question for tomorrow?
What will it take to get me back to the gym? I have the membership, but lack motivation. It’s so true about “dieting” though; you’ve got to focus on what great healthy foods you’ll be filling yourself with.
I suppose that some people are “gym types” and some aren’t. I am definitely NOT a gym person any more. Maybe that is why the motivation is not there for you. I used to drive to the gym, get exercise and then drive home. So, I ditched the car (well, not literally. I sold it) and had to start walking. I love walking out in the early morning fresh air, so that is my main exercise with some yoga thrown in – great arm strengthening doing downward dog and holding up you own body weight
Save your money and get rid of the gym membership and invest it in something you enjoy more