Think, Act, Feel

Does this sound familiar…”I know I need to work out but I can’t seem to make myself do it. How do I get myself motivated to exercise and eat healthy?” This is the number one question we are asked over and over.

What sets the people who exercise everyday apart from those who rarely, or never, exercise?

It is simple. People who exercise everyday have learned to act on their thoughts rather than their emotions. Losing weight and exercising routinely requires thinking, acting, and then Feeling…in that order.

I have come to believe that what sets the people who do not exercise consistently from those who do is a practice of discipline. And to break it down even more, it is a matter of learning to think about what is best for you and then acting on those thoughts. It is a great misconception to assume that those who regularly exercise are necessarily motivated to go to the gym every day.

I know very few people who can’t wait to go to the gym to workout. Most people I know dread working out, even the ones who do it every day.

People who exercise on a daily basis know it’s best for their physical and mental health. They are disciplined to do what they do not want to do and their actions reflect their thoughts.

If you allow your feelings to dictate your actions then it will be nearly impossible to make exercising a consistent part of your life, because you will never feel like working out! This behavior is called acting on your emotions. Typically, when someone acts on their emotions, their decisions are, more times than not, irrational or self indulgent and discernment is impaired. This is why we are advised not to make any major decisions after a major tragedy, such as a death of a loved one. We simply cannot make wise healthy choices when we allow our emotions to determine our actions.

However, when you think first you are assured to make rational and mature, reasonable decisions. Although it can be tough, keeping your emotions out of the decision making process will allow you to be more objective and more intuitive.

Thinking before acting is essential when you want to change your behavior and habits. This way of living (thinking, acting, and then feeling) is the key which will open the door to a journey filled with consistent exercise and healthy eating.