That Little Thing In Your Head Keeping You Fat And Unhealthy

Have you ever wondered why you just can’t find motivation to exercise? While this is a complex issue, there is one thing that will kill your chances of getting fit and healthy. I’m talking about that little thing in your head called fear. Let’s look at how it  inhibits many of us from making positive changes in our health and fitness and I’ll offer some suggestions on how to overcome it.

Fear is our basic alarm response to something we believe is threatening to ourselves or others. Although fear does in fact protect us from real danger, it is the same mechanism that causes us to resist change or advancement in our lives. Some people embrace it and are rewarded with a life rich in exploration, adventure and success. Where others prefer to dwell in the comfort of safety, and where risks are low, things will stay at the status quo.

The real problem with the second group is that I don’t believe anything in this world stays the same. If it’s organic, it’s either growing or eroding. This applies to people as well. You can either get better (or at least slow the aging process) or you just sit back and get worse.

So why do so many people give in to the latter and accept living their lives as a shell of who they really could be?  The answer might be in how we confront fear. Fear manifests itself in many forms but is quite recognizable in people who are negative thinkers and talkers. These people only commit to their narrow vision of reality and often blame others for why things aren’t getting done.

Instead of confronting their fears, the finger starts pointing and the excuses start flying. In the context of health and wellness, they say  “there’s no time“, “I’m too busy at work”, “my kids drain my energy”, “I don’t have a workout partner to rely on”, “everyone in my family is fat so I guess I should be too”, “‘I’d exercise if someone would only show me how”, ” I’ve tried every diet on the market and nothing works so whats the point?” and the list goes on and on. The point is that fear of facing new challenges make some people view external forces as an obstacle for doing what you want to do.

The benefit (or detriment, depending upon your view point) of living in a  “moan and groan society” is that we don’t have to create our own happiness when it’s easier to blame others for not giving it to us. But until you understand that you, and only, you create what goes on in your head you will never be in control of your life.

When you allow outside forces to influence who you are, you give up power and create an environment of pain, paralysis and depression. Anything that takes away your power makes you a victim. Do you play the role of victim in your life? Don’t become a victim of yourself, take responsibility and move from a position of pain to power. Once you do this you’ll soon realize that the only one that can help you get healthier is you.

[text style=”large-callout”] Learn to recognize the following symptoms of not taking responsibility in your life: [/text]

Anger, pain, vengeance, self pity, envy, helplessness, impatience, joylessness, fatigue, addictions, disappointment, jealousy and so on……

Have you ever felt any of these emotions? These are all negative emotions and can only bring you pain and paralysis. If so, ask yourself what you are not doing in your life that is causing you to feel this way. This can help identify where you are losing your power and understand why you’ve felt so powerless and fearful in facing the reality that you need to get healthier.

When we are afraid not only do we feel powerless but we give into that little voice in our head that only seems to point out the negative. There is a basic assumption in our society that negative views are realistic and positive ones are unrealistic. This is flawed logic. It is reported that 90% of the things we worry about never actually happen. One should then reason that being positive is much more realistic than being negative. It takes a lot of practice and time to become a positive thinker but once you “out-talk your negativity”  you’ll be amazed at the power you obtain.

“Ships in harbour are safe, but that is not where ships are supposed to be”

If the path you are currently on isn’t providing you joy, satisfaction, personal fulfillment, health and a positive way of life, get off that path because it isn’t working. Don’t think that simply changing external influences will correct your problems internally. It works the other way around. Change your mindset and all that is right will follow.

I believe fear is the main obstacle that most people face in the pursuit of  becoming an athlete in the sport of life. Become your higher self. Say yes to things you are afraid of, take responsibility for your choices and exude positive energy inside and out. When you find your higher self you will truly find it easy to accomplish your fitness goals and anything else you aspire to as well.