I look so fat in that picture. I’ll never be able to do a pull up. I’m always so tired and lazy! I always eat such crap. I’ll be happier as soon as I lose some weight.
Do any of these phrases sound familiar? Like things you repeat to yourself in your head, or out loud to those around you? I get it. We are our own worst critics and it’s easy to get down on yourself when you’re not feeling your best. But the thing is, your brain actually believes the things you repeat to yourself in your words and thoughts over and over again. This perpetuates a cycle of negativity; the more you think and speak like this about yourself, the more your brain is going to be trained to continue to think like this!
Our brain’s neuroplasticity allows it to form new connections throughout our lifetime. This process can be affected by our experiences, activities, behaviors, and even our thoughts. The very practice of positive thinking and speaking about ourselves and our goals in a positive way has the power to train our brains into shifting towards a more positive outlook.
Part of taking on a more positive and goal-oriented approach to life and to ourselves involves the idea of manifestation, or using our thoughts, feelings, and actions to bring about desired outcomes. No, unfortunately you can’t just think about being able to do a strict pull up and “poof!” the next day you will be able to, but there are some practices you can try to become more open to the opportunity of meeting your desired goals.
Manifestation requires you to:
- Set your goals. Define what it is that you want to achieve. For example, “by the end of 2025, I want to be able to do my first strict, unassisted pull up.”
- Visualize your goals. Write them down and be specific. Get crafty and make a vision board. Hang it up where you can see it every day. For example, print out a picture of someone doing a pull up and tape your face over theirs!
- Focus. Think about and talk about your goals often in order to strengthen your own belief that they CAN happen.
- Take action. Make specific plans to work towards your goals. For this example, work with a coach to break down the year ahead into monthly physical benchmarks for how you can physically work towards your goal.
- Align your thoughts, words, and actions. Make sure the way you’re speaking and thinking about yourself and your abilities match what it is you want to do.
At the end of the day, manifestation allows us to get focused on what is of value to us. If we surround ourselves with thoughts, words, images, and an action plan to get closer to our goals, we become crystal clear about what it is that we want, and the distractions tend to fall to the wayside easier, making our goals and desires more of a reality.
Even if something is not a reality yet, you can speak about yourself and think about yourself as if you are already there, so that your brain can continue in that direction. Try repeating some of these phrases every day, out loud and meditating on these thoughts the next time that negative thought cycle begins: “I am a healthy person who makes time to take care of my physical and mental health.” “I choose to nourish my mind and body every day.” “I am a strong and beautiful person.” “I am lucky to be able to move my body today.”
Keep up this practice and you’ll see! The magic will happen if you open yourself up to it and speak to yourself as someone who deserves your heart’s desires.o, drink up and stay hydrated this winter season—you’ll thank yourself later!