Are You Getting What You Are Expecting?

When it comes to achieving health goals, many are focused on the actions it will take to get results: go to the gym, eat nutritious food, drink 8 oz of water, get 8 hours of sleep, manage stress. If it was that simple, don't you think there would be happier humans walking around? Not to mention that the weight loss industry would be out of a job. 

The emotions you feel and the thoughts you think don't get enough credit. In fact, I would say these are the areas that could make or break your experience. But I am going to take it a step further and say your belief in whether you can achieve your goals is one of the strongest indicators of success. I'm not just talking weight loss, a certain level of strength, or even increased energy. I'm referring to that state of wellness you think about when you set out in the first place.  

The mind-body connection is a powerful thing, yet so many are overly focused on the body and not enough on the mind. It's true I can get a little woo-woo (sorry, not sorry!), but I tend to back it up by science. Take the placebo effect for example. It isn’t just some mystical phenomenon. Numerous studies show that the response to drugs and medications are in part placebo based. And it doesn’t just come down to their deceptive nature. Taking a sugar pill has shown to be just as effective when participants are told about placebos’ potential to heal. This is where the power of belief comes into play.

Mindset researchers argue that beliefs can create your reality. This study actually illustrates that changing your beliefs can even influence weight loss. If you expect a certain result, there’s a chance that is the result you will get, including those in your physical body.
 
There is a quote that says “emotion arises at the place where mind and body meet.” It’s why you have butterflies in your stomach when nervous, and goosebumps on your skin when you feel fear. So what is the story you are telling yourself about your health? If you are someone who feels stuck or can't seem to find sustainable change, maybe it is time to try something different. You can rewrite your story. I see it every day! Embrace the positive emotions at the beginning, so you will be more receptive to what you are looking to achieve.

And if you don't know where to start, I created my online program Counting Colors to help guide you to a good feeling place.