Think Yourself Thin - Increasing Self-Esteem Helps Weight Loss
As human beings, we are simultaneously blessed with loads of flaws and plenty of beautiful characteristics. How we work with what we've got, particularly how we think about it and how we judge ourselves is what determines the sort of lifestyle we lead. Thus, having a high sense of self-esteem is one of the most powerful weapons we wield when looking to overcome any obstacle that's totally dependant on us. Losing weight is one such battle.
If you suffer from low self-esteem, you trap yourself in an individual self-fulfilling prophecy. That is, if you believe yourself to be inadequate, you find yourself acting inadequately; if you think yourself unacceptable, you'll find yourself playing the role (that you've given yourself!); if you deem yourself a failure, usually you are going to be completely blind to (or constantly undermining) your own successes. So, if you think of yourself as fat, ugly, weak, unable to lose weight, a pathetic loser, then ouch! You guessed it; you've just given yourself a whipping.
Studies show that low self-esteem affects both men and women, but differently; women feel more pressured to look young, thin, and sexy, while men stress more over hair loss, beer bellies, and short stature. If you feel bad about your body, you're likely to have a very poor self-image and thus low self-esteem. Imagine trying to lose weight! If you feel horrible about your body, you might have a weak desire to improve, but you won't have that die-hard motivation necessary for change.
It is undeserved. Forget what you know, and rewire your brain. Consider this - folks with high self-esteem aren't bogged down by mistakes! They realize that in life, it's not all about winning and failing, it's about winning and learning, brushing the dirt off your knees and striding forward again. They are more likely to praise themselves for little achievements, to reward themselves, to encourage themselves by thinking positively. And positive thinking always leads to positive feelings...and positive results.
If these people are trying to lose weight, they will allow for trip-ups (yes, it was your cousin's birthday and if you didn't have a gracious helping of triple-chocolate cake, there would be a falling-out; and yes, Thanksgiving dinners are meant to be savored without a week-long guilt-trip later). When something goes wrong, they don't punish themselves. They note the behavior and change it. They get over it. And eventually, they succeed; since they don't envisage failure, they don't allow for it.
Sensible weight loss programs mirror this positive approach. They are grounded in realistic and modest goals, based on promoting self-esteem and positive body image; what the eye sees (or at least filters) is in the mind. Know that no one can change your mentality without your consent. You are in charge of yourself, so you must seize the reins and hesitate no further.
You can improve your self-esteem in very simple ways. Don't be fooled because these are easy, but only work when fueled by true belief and dedication.
You must believe in this idea and dedicate yourself to giving you the credit you deserve; you must believe in and be dedicated to you! Right now stop reading, focus on yourself, and tell yourself that you deserve unconditional self-acceptance (no one is perfect!). You deserve unconditional self-love. And you deserve unconditional self-respect. It is absolutely true - believe it.
Improving your self-esteem takes time, patience, and practice (just like motherhood, weight loss maintenance, building a house, creating a masterpiece...). You can get external encouragement from books, seminars, or other positive people with high self-esteem (mimic their ways, and don't worry, positivity rubs off on you, if you let it). Build your self-reliance and try something new to prove your capability to yourself. Develop coping skills to deal with setbacks (because they'll happen) and healthy ways to reward yourself (trade the bravo-here's-a-cookie routine for a bubble bath, a new dress, or a dance night out). Lighten up and savor today for all it's worth! Acknowledge yourself as unique and accept yourself the way you are! Never wait to love yourself, just as you should never wait to be happy.
Remember that losing weight is inextricable from having good self-esteem. If you manage to improve three things, your appetite (how you eat), your activities (how you exercise), and, most of all, your attitude (how you deal with it all) you will find yourself progressing in both fields. You can do it!
About the Author:
Sonia Summers is a staff writer at Weight Loss Successoholics who offer a ground breaking online coaching program for Lasting Weight Loss Success. Weight Loss Successoholics FREE monthly magazine "Power of 3" offers articles and insights on the Encouragement, Eating and Exercise essentials for Lasting Weight Loss Success. Claim your copy today at Weight Loss Successoholics
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