When I decided to fire my Inner Critic, I decided I needed to replace him with an Inner Coach. This is definitely a task that requires constant attention and feeding. Lately, my Inner Critic has been poking around, asking if his old job is available. Today, I gave him another dose of “You’re fired.”
So, I’ve spent a lot of the day (in between work chores) talking with the Coach. I asked him if he was still proud of my work. Of course, he replied. I asked him if I’m moving in the right direction. Yes, of course, but you have to stay vigilant. I agreed. I talked with him about needing some kind of external reminder that I’m still balls deep in the challenge. He agreed. I wrote something up to remind me of such things. Just a little list of phrases (in order) that should be the mental process I use for determining how my days will be spent.
Where I’ve been slipping, I’m addressing it flat out. I can’t do half measures of things, that’s for sure. Today has been much better. My spirits have been a little weak of late, but spending time looking inward, even if it’s at work, is always the solution.
The most important part of my journey since August 2003 has been learning that none of the rest of it matters if I don’t work on my self-esteem and the core issues that brought everything upon me in the first place. I believe people cannot have SUSTAINABLE success with fitness, weight loss, or anything in life, if they don’t address the roots of what they intend to change.
Thanks, Coach. Missed you for a little while, there.
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Indeed! Can’t just treat the symptoms. Good stuff, Chris.
This is, in fact, exactly what I’m struggling with right now. I think that somewhere deep down inside I don’t actually believe that I deserve to lose the last couple pounds … I believe that I deserve to spend the rest of my life being relatively dumpy.
Self-esteem’s a doozy.
I’m constantly impressed by your attitude on all of this. You are strong in a million different incredible ways. Thank you very much for writing all this down and being an inspiration. And good lord, I can’t wait to read your book!
“spend time looking inward” It’s so true… Great post, chris
Would be interested in your list of phrases that determine how your day will be spent - it sounds helpful. Or an example of the mental process.
-Fran from FitNotes