Everybody knows that feeling of ‘Uhhh, I don’t think I can continue this workout or this set of exercises’! What follows is usually a bunch of destructive self-talk, not feeling good enough and possibly giving up on all the good intentions that were once created.
As I went through my workout on the 2nd day of the 2018 Mindful Living Challenge, I came across some very challenging moves. Automatically I said to myself ‘ Oh wow, these moves are tough, but I can do this!’ This kept my spirit going and I was able to finish the entire workout, having fun and feeling good about it.
This was not always the case. When I started working out many, many years ago, I used to self-talk my way into all sorts of negativity. From ‘I will never be able to do this’ over ‘Why am I even trying’ to ‘Your body is just not strong enough and I don’t think it ever will be’.
Luckily, after a short while, I became aware of my inner dialogue and thanks to my knowledge of NLP and other techniques, I was able to turn the tables. Nowadays I work in sync with my inner voice, and that has made all the difference. Even if I am not able to finish a workout, or if I have to amend certain exercises, I no longer beat myself up about it. I accept, I stay positive, and I continue!
Next time you workout, and you come across a difficult exercise or negative emotions, become aware of your inner voice, your self-talk, and then change your words and automatically how you feel. This might take a while to get used to, and you might even feel like you are fooling yourself at first, but it does actually work. The more you repeat positive affirmations, the more they will become a part of you, settle in your unconscious, and become your reality. You can read more about the power of positive affirmations here.
Here are some positive affirmations I use during exercise:
- I can do this!
- I am good enough!
- This is easy for me!
- I love exercising!
- Exercise keeps my body & mind healthy!
- I am happy, healthy and abundant!
- I love my body!
- I am grateful for my body!
- I am grateful, being able to do these exercises!
- I am doing something good for my body and mind!
- I constantly get better and better!
- I am always motivated!
- I love this!
- Yes! I can do it!
You can also be proud of yourself and appreciate that you are doing something of great benefit for yourself, body and mind.
On day 2 of the challenge, I began my day with this positive morning meditation:
Keep enjoying your 2018, stay motivated and mindful!
Much Love,
Nina
