Listen to yourself. Do you ever scold yourself by saying you “should” be doing something? Perhaps:
  • “I know I SHOULD have the salad, but I’m going to get a burger instead.”
  • “I know I SHOULD exercise, but I’m just too tired.”
  • “I SHOULD have had already put up the Christmas decorations, but I just don’t feel like it.”

Please…stop “shoulding” on yourself.  Each time you scold yourself with “I should…”, you’re really beating yourself up, telling you that you’re wrong or weak or fat or lazy or fill-in-the-blank with another negative.  Putting down others never helps to motivate them to change – and putting down yourself isn’t motivating, either!

What are some things that you think YOU “should” do? Now, ask yourself, WHY you think you SHOULD…? Often the answers have to do with the fact that someone else thinks you should (could even be someone that’s no longer in your life) or that you believe that if you don’t, then you must be…(lazy, fat, selfish, worthless…).
 
Change your lingo to “COULD” instead. This gives you choices, instead of shame. So, you could say:
  • I could order the salad, but I’m really in the mood for a burger. I could just eat half – that’s about the same number of calories.
  • I could exercise, but I’m tired. I think I’ll make a plan to go for a walk during my lunch break…before I get too tired.
  • I could put up the Christmas decorations, but I really don’t feel like it. I think I’ll just put up the tree. That’s what really means the most to me. 

There now…doesn’t that feel better?

Dr. Jo motivates audiences to make healthy changes in both body and mind. Call her today to plan your upcoming conference or meeting at 407-852-9171 or visit www.drjo.com.