Trying Is Planning To Fail

Have you ever wondered how the language you use shapes how you think?  Eleven months ago I came to a crossroad where I had two simple choices regarding my overall health.  It was to either be miserable and continue down the same unhealthy path I have been for years or make a permanent lifestyle change and live a very happy and fulfilling life.  I knew I wanted to make a change, but after examining how I spoke of my health goals it was going to be a far reach with my attitude.  One of the primary reasons why I was successful this time around was because I completely eliminated the word 'try' from my vocabulary.

All too often I'd say or nowadays hear others say "I tried to lose weight", "I'm trying to eat healthier", "I try to go to the gym", "I try to change, but nothing's working", etc.  No people, we cannot be using this kind of language!  As the title of this blog states trying is planning to fail.  The word 'try' does not imply certainty and allows room for failure and poor excuses.  I realized that when I began to change my language in a positively affirming way the goals I set out for myself became more achievable.  "I am" became a frequent phrase in my day to day conversations.

Everyone has the innate ability to make positive changes in their lives, but the first step really comes from within you.  Here's a simple exercise: Write down all the goals that you want to accomplish whether they be big or small, short-term or long-term, health-related or not.  The key is to do so using the positive affirmation "I am" and then begin incorporating this vernacular in the brand-new positive you.

Here's a few examples:
I am going to go to the gym 3-4 times a week
I am going to go to my favorite yoga class once a week.
I am going to incorporate more fruits and vegetables in my diet.
I am going to give up drinking diet soda and using artificial sweeteners.
I am going to go for a walk every morning before work.
I am going stop eating fast food and avoid processed foods when possible.

Easy enough, right?  Don't try, just do!