Updated: Monday, April 2, 2018
The temptation to quit will be greatest just before I am about to succeed. -Chinese proverb
I am reading a very short book called, The Dip by Seth Godin. This is “A little book that teaches you when to quit (and when to stick).” At the beginning of the year, many of us felt called to make new habits and become healthier. Perhaps that included a gym membership, buying a few self-improvement books, or starting a clean eating plan.
Inevitably, real life keeps happening. No matter how good our intentions there is always a dip – where the fun fades and the journey feels HARD. The book is a reminder to pause and discern if it is the inevitable dip or a dead-end that is ultimately keeping you from succeeding.
In case you’re feeling like some of your new healthy habits are not working here are 3 steps to take to move through the dip.
- When those negative thoughts start to invade your brain say to yourself “cancel, cancel, cancel!“
As the meditation and hypnosis expert Chel Hamilton reminds us, use your inside voice – inside your head that is – or else people might start to look at you funny. The benefit of “cancel, cancel, cancel” is you stop negative thinking in its tracks instead of following those thoughts down the dark hole of despair.
- Focus on the positive – Clearly, being healthy is important to you.
Take a moment to pat yourself on the back for at least 3 to 5 healthy choices you made in the past week. This action step will redirect your negative thinking, allowing you to reinforce the positive truths and behaviors.
- Identify the trigger – What was the situation that caused your mind to spin into doubt or frustration mode? For me, it tends to be that I am overtired, too self-absorbed or caught in the comparison trap.
By identifying and recognizing your triggers, you empower yourself to redirect and overcome negative thinking.
Food for thought:
Remember, the darkest hour comes just before dawn, but that morning light is coming.
When your journey doesn’t seem to be taking you where you want to go, be gentle with yourself. These things take time and consistency.
