never_quit’s BodyBlog

In looking back on the last year, it is very clear to me that the main reason each attempt at a healthier life style failed is because of my "all or nothing" attitude. I would say to myself, "Self, we are going to go back to the way we were-going to the karate dojo every day and only eating good foods." I would go to the dojo, try to work out as hard as I used to when I was in top shape and when I couldn’t I would beat myself up mentally and I wouldn’t be able to move the next day and I would not go then I would beat myself up again. Is it any wonder I stopped the effort? Instead of NEGATIVE reinforcement I am going to use POSITIVE reinforcement! (DUH!!!) So despite a really tough week emotionally, I kept up with keeping track of my food and I didn’t try to be crazy about it. My biggest downfall is when I would just "give up" and go totally overboard-eating everything and anything I wanted in whatever portions I wanted. This time what I did instead was yes we went to Del Taco on Friday night, but I had one fish taco and one veggie burrito. In the past I would have a meatless taco salad, 4 fish tacos and a veggie burrito. And then I would beat myself up and my inner critic would have a field day with me. SO…instead of labeling myself a failure, I worked out today and I’m proud of myself! The old me would berate myself for only working out once last week, but the new me knows better and I’m proud that I worked out and I’ll try for twice next week, and then 3x the week after! Positive reinforcement!!!! Woo Hoo!

This entry was posted on Saturday, December 15th, 2007 at 5:25 pm and is filed under Thoughts. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.