Why your mindset matters for health goals
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What if the secret to achieving your health objectives wasn't just about your diet or exercise, but rather about your mindset? The mind is influential and determines your actions, habits, and, in the end, your outcomes. This is why the first step to succeeding in any goal is to focus on your mindset.
Your mindset influences how you view the world. It includes your beliefs, assumptions, and attitudes, which shape your self-perception, outlook on life, and approach to challenges. And your mindset has a HUGE impact on how you approach your health, wellness, and fitness goals. Your mindset can either move you forward or sabotage you right from the beginning.
Let's talk about a Positive Mindsets vs Negative Mindsets
No matter what your goal is — whether it's building muscle, cutting back on sugar, or shedding some pounds — you're gonna hit some bumps along the way. How you think about these challenges can really change the game.
If you keep a positive attitude, you'll see setbacks as just little speed bumps and keep pushing forward. On the flip side, a negative mindset can make you see those bumps as big failures, which might make you want to throw in the towel. By focusing on the bright side, you're way more likely to stick with the routines and habits that’ll help you hit your goals. And visualization can really help with that.
Visualization is creating positive mental images about what you’d like to achieve. Also known as mental rehearsal or guided imagery, it’s using your imagination to picture a desired outcome. Visualization trains your brain to stay focused, motivated, and confident as you journey toward your goals.
Visualizing an event in your mind activates the same neural pathways in your brain as if the event really took place. Seeing truly is believing.
Every time you envision a desired result, you rewire your brain. However, consistency is very important. Visualization is most effective when done every day, even if only for a few minutes.
The more you prime your subconscious to expect positive results, the more likely they become your reality. And there are a couple of different ways to do this:
Outcome Visualization
With this technique, you imagine your desired end goal as if it’s happening right now. Outcome visualizations can keep you motivated and inspired as you work towards your goal.
Process Visualization
With this technique, you picture yourself taking the steps needed to reach your goal. This can include visualizing daily habits, routines, and how you’ll handle challenges along the way.
Heres some tips on how to visualize :
Get clear - Pick one specific health goal to focus on. Think about why you want to achieve it and write it down in your journal or notebook.
Create a “mind movie” - Take a few minutes to picture this goal in detail what life will be like once you’ve attained your desired goal. Or imagine the steps you’ll take to get there.
Use your senses - Create a vivid picture, engaging all your five senses. Imagine as much detail as possible, including what you’re wearing, the expression on your face, and the environment around you.
Feel the feels - Imagine the emotions you’ll feel when that desired goal has become your reality. Let yourself feel each moment as if it’s occurring right now.
Live as your future self. Let that visualization guide you as you go about your day, taking actions that align with your future self.
