Many choose to lose weight for different reasons: we do not like when we see in the mirror, our clothes and we do not have, our health is in danger, our partner is disappointed, we could lose our jobs or to give a good example for our children .
Many think that losing weight involves only physical activity and things related to our body, but this is not true, since any decision process also involves a very strong mental and emotional.
When we decided to do something or achieve any goal, our mind plays a very important role which can not be ignored, our body is not to decide you want to lose those 10 extra kilos that we have, rather, our mind and brain. That is why it is very important to have mental strength to achieve weight loss.
We will discuss some of the most important mental aspects and certainly should be taken into account by anyone willing to lose weight.
1. Image of ourselves or “self-image.”
We each have two images: the first is what we give to the world and people around us and the other is the perception of how we are and how we perceive ourselves. Our “self-image” largely determines how we act in life and who we become over the years.
Our self-image is really powerful and when we connect to our weight. If our picture for us is great and we are in great shape, but our friends and family say we’re fat, do not feel bad because we know that we have the figure we want. However, if we are out of shape and overweight, no matter if others think you are weak or do not need to lose weight, we will feel “fat” because it is our perception.
These cases could reach the point when developing diseases such as anorexia or bulimia, where the person believes to be fat or overweight despite his body shows the opposite.
When we decided to lose weight and start a diet is because our own image we reflect some dissatisfaction with our bodies and physical form and therefore, we think of the benefits we have if we did, for example, be more attractive to the opposite sex, receive a raise, we will be stronger as individuals and with more authority, receive compliments, etc..
All these external benefits are good, but what counts more is how we feel about ourselves to achieve weight loss. That feeling of being fit and look that great figure is what impels us to sacrifice more involving diet and regular exercise.
2. The body from the mind
We all have some internal battle between our bodies and minds. Each dominating different parts of our development. When we are small, we move more to the feelings and perceptions we have, we explore everything around us for our lack of knowledge and experience in the world.
As we grow, our mind begins to be more character. We began to consume a large amount of information, we learn to read and our world expands a lot.
When we entered puberty and teenage years, our image and appearance becomes more important. We begin to want to look good to please others. This will matter much more than having a good mental development. We spent much time worrying about our bodies and how we look to others, try new hairstyles, clothes, etc..
When mature and pass this stage, we try to balance our physical and mental part. Our body is important because it is our appearance but our mind is what helps us move forward, make a career and have a good job or business. It is noteworthy that also in adult stages, we seek to create more personal and lasting relationships.
When we “settling down” and begin to live more routinely, it is very likely to find that comfort zone where they no longer seek new challenges, new goals and new experiences, just do the same thing every day. This is dangerous because we can fall into the comformismo, which makes our body and we import figure. This can also occur at earlier stages, which can greatly affect our weight and lifestyle.
3. Our sense of self-efficacy
Self-efficacy is when we believe we will take some action that will have any effect or consequence, there is confidence in oneself, but relates a little. It is our expectation about the consequences of the actions we take in the future.
If you do not have enough self-efficacy, will not believe we will achieve our goals, so do not take action and we were stuck.
Thoughts like “I’ll never lose weight, so I am” …. “I could exercise daily but no way I can lose weight” … “While going to the gym and then diet, it is impossible to look a great figure” … “My destiny is overweight” and the like all they do is debilar our mental power and do nothing about our situation.
But if we have a great self-efficacy and we truly believe we will achieve our goals, will be much easier to lose weight. Positive thoughts will abound our minds and be easier to take action every day.
Being in shape and lose weight is a personal decision. There are many external factors that influence and drive us to take or not the decision to lose weight, but in the end, only you can decide if you really lose weight or you’ll be as you are. Analyzes very well the image you have of yourself, what do you say? If you feel it is time to eliminate those extra kilos, do it now!
You also improve your self-efficacy, and that through it is the only way you accomplish your goals in life, and remember, the mind plays an important role in your quest to lose weight.