What is limiting you?

Most of us strive to be healthy. Over half of the people in the united states want to live a healthier lifestyle but many fall short. When only about one-third of Americans are at a healthy weight, where’s the disconnect? Why aren’t we living the healthier lives we want?

The number one reason is probably coming from your own mind. The good news, that means you can do something about it!

Self-limiting beliefs can sabotage your goals and prevent you from reaching or even learning about the things you want to do. Whether it’s eating healthier or trying to get into better shape, we can all fall victim to our own minds limiting us. Darya Rose, Ph.D., who has firsthand experience with self-limiting beliefs, is the author of “Foodist” and a blog about eating healthy. She posses the question, are you ‘too busy’ to cook dinner?

“Perhaps you haven’t practiced cooking much so every time you try it’s frustrating and takes a substantial amount of time, as is true with anything you’re learning.

Another possibility: You can cook, but you’re accustomed to complicated recipes that require many different components and lots of attention to detail. You’re actually just too tired at the end of the day for that kind of effort.

In one case, you tell yourself you don’t have time, when you actually just haven’t acquired the skills. In the other, you believe all cooking needs to be complex and time-consuming.

In both instances, knowing a few simple cooking techniques and having a weekend shopping habit plus a handful of home court recipes would solve the problem.

If you get past the limiting belief, you can tackle these much simpler, more practical concerns. Instead of having to move mountains to find an extra hour in your day, in a few weeks you’ll be able to walk in the door after work, and whip up something in under 30 minutes.”

Limiting beliefs can affect any part of your life, not just in the kitchen. Fitness is another common area of our lives that we limit ourselves. It’s an area that I catch myself falling victim to a self-sabotaging mindset all too often.

I’ll tell myself, “I’m too tired to run today,” but that isn’t true. I still have enough energy to walk the dog and cook diner. Even after that, I’m still not ready to drift off to sleep. The truth isn’t that I’m tired, it’s that I’m not as fit as I used to be. I’m frustrated that running a few miles isn’t as easy as I remember, but when I realize getting back in shape takes time, the task of running becomes a step towards my goal of improving my fitness.

What can you do?

When you have a goal or are trying to change something about your habits, it’s important to look for limiting beliefs. When you’re struggling, examine your “excuses” and see if there isn’t a hidden issue lying beneath. Here are some things you can try:

  • Think like an Athlete or someone who works in field.
    • Athletes don’t exercise to look good, they focus on improving performance, strength, and speed.
    • Chefs practice cooking and continue to improve their abilities in the kitchen, they don’t start making 5-star meals.
  • Create S.M.A.R.T. goals
    • Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely.
    • This gets us away from idea-oriented goals (lose weight) to action-oriented goals (wake up 30 minutes early Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to walk around the block).
  • Be Passionate
    • Do activities that appeal to you. If you don’t like running, try hiking, biking, swimming, dancing, ect.
  • Use Power Words
    • Instead of saying, “I can’t eat that,” say, “I don’t eat that.” It changes something restrictive into something empowering.
  • Be Supportive
    • Be patient, forgiving, and supportive of yourself, and grateful for what you have. Remember, you’re human, don’t be too hard on yourself.

Kick those limiting beliefs and live a healthier life!

This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.

If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your health care provider or seek other professional medical treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something that have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.