The Magic of Self-Approval for Weight Loss

The more we criticize ourselves, the harder it becomes to make positive changes because it reinforces negative thoughts and ruins our self-esteem! 

Then we're left feeling too beaten down to do anything different.

Louise Hay hit the nail on the head when she taught us to approve of ourselves:

"Criticism locks us into the very pattern we are trying to change. Understanding and being gentle with ourselves helps us move out of it. Remember, you have been criticizing yourself for years, and it hasn't worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens." (You Can Heal Your Life)

Approving of ourselves means we have an inner cheerleader to get us through challenges. We become more resilient and can stay positive even when we are - heaven forbid - not perfect.

So, how do you do this self-approval thing? You could try one of these steps:

1. Notice what triggers self-criticism. Is it when you make a mistake at work or forget to do something?
2. Catch your inner critic in action. Through mindfulness meditation or journaling, observe and note the thoughts that arise when you feel bad about yourself. Challenge these negative thoughts - Is 'I can't get anything right' really true?  Can you find evidence of the opposite?
3. Focus on your strengths to solve problems. Here’s an affirmation, of sorts, I teach to help move clients into action: “I am [my positive qualities] and can easily figure out why I [unwanted behavior] and what to do about it. I can try [actions that make it easier to do/stop doing next time].” For example: “I am resourceful and dedicated and can easily figure out why I keep going to the break room for donuts and what to do about it. I can try taking in my own snack so I am not hungry and taking a walk with a colleague instead of going to the break room.” *Don’t forget to celebrate wins, however small. *More templates are inside the The Fit & Fabulous Weight Loss Bundle
4. List 3 things you are grateful for every day and let one of those things be a personal quality you embody. Google the term - list of personal qualities to get ideas. 
5. Seek people with a positive outlook: Surround yourself with people who uplift you and remind you of your worth. Seek out supportive communities or consider talking to a therapist or counselor.

👆 These kinds of actions can lift us out of discouragement and boost positive feelings.
POSITIVE FEELINGS = ENERGY
Energy that we can use to make the changes we want.

WORK WITH ME: Try 3 sessions of personal training or check out The Fit & Fabulous Weight Loss Bundle, a 30-day program with live 1:1 personal training and a separate self-study weight loss course.