I used to live in a pretty dark place. I was negative and thought my life sucked. I played the victim and thought everyone had it better than me. I was far from happy. I was unhappy. I didn't want to be that way, it was just the way I was. Until, I did something about it. I read books, I watched uplifting shows, I asked questions of those who seemed to have the type of happiness I sought. And honestly, nothing changed for the longest time. But I kept reading and searching for answers. One day I picked up a book that changed everything for me. I'm not sure if this book was written in a way that just spoke to me or if I was finally ready to take the information in and put it to use. That book of course was "You are a badass" by Jen Sincero.
But what if I would have given up before I got to that book? What if I took the information I found in that book and dismissed it like I did with all the other books I had read through the years. This was the one book that flat out said, just try what I'm telling you no matter how foolish you feel. If you don't like it or see a difference then go back to your crappy life. Those were the words that broke through for me. I was so busy poo-pooing all the tips in the book as silly or ridiculous that I wouldn't even try them. But what did I have to lose beside my unhappiness? I finally had to believe that it was possible for me to be happy. Because if you don't truly believe it deep down that it can happen, it likely won't.
I had 40+ years of evidence that nothing was going to change. But if I couldn't find some sort of hope deep down inside then I would have likely stayed exactly the same. But I gave it a go. I did what was asked of me. And the results were amazing. I started thinking more positively. I started to realize how much I had instead of focusing on what I didn't. I quickly started seeing the good in my life instead of the bad. Or at least recognizing the good before seeing the bad. How was I able to finally able to do this after all these years? I convinced myself that I could. I believed it was possible for me to change. I did what it took to convince myself of my own worth and started living a much happier life.
My point is that even if you have a lifetime of evidence against what it is you want to achieve it can still be done. Your past doesn't predict your future. You do. And if you can find a way to convince yourself that you can be happy, lose weight, get a promotion at work, make more money, have more meaningful relationships...you can...no matter what has happened in the past. It's all up to you though. You have to be willing to try things you've never tried before. Because all the things you've already tried hasn't worked, right? It's time for something new. Shake up your life and you may love where it settles down.
I know we have all sorts of negative self talk telling ourselves we can't do it. This is why it is so important to find some belief that what you want is possible. And I know that it is. If I'm able to turn into the annoyingly happy person I am today, anyone can do anything they put their mind to, as long as you truly believe it's possible. Talk to yourself like you would your best friend. If your best friend was starting a new health plan would you tell her to give it up. That she won't ever succeed because she's tried in the past and it hasn't worked. No, of course not. You would support her and cheer her own and offer to help in any way you can. So, why do we treat ourselves so harshly? Forget the past. This is a new start. If you truly believe you can do it, you can!
Become your biggest cheerleader. Write inspirational quotes all over to keep you on track. High five yourself in the mirror and tell yourself how great you are doing several times a day. When you are feeling weak and discouraged, call a friend to boost you up. But you can do whatever it is you set your mind to. This I know to be true. Get super excited about your new goal. Envision yourself once you achieve it. How will your life be different, better? How will you feel? Think of the pride you will have in yourself. Now, get to it!
It's Monday! A brand new week full of possibilities and opportunities. Now go out there and be badass. I'm right here, cheering you on.
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