Photo by Eric Cudak
Time for some real talk. Have you ever scrolled through fitspo on Instagram and thought, “I’ll never be able to do that,” or avoided trying a new workout or a heavier lift because you assumed you’d fail? Yup. Me too.
In fact, I recently experienced this firsthand with an Olympic Lifting movement, the snatch. I was always stuck right at 150 lbs (which happens to be my bodyweight), but not because I’m not capable of lifting more weight. I got stuck because as soon as I hit my bodyweight, I thought, “There’s no way I can snatch more than myself!”
The doubt crept in. My mind played tricks on me. I lost focus of my goal. Then lo and behold, as I attempted more weight I’d say to myself, “This is way too heavy,” and fail the lift.
I failed because before I even began, I didn’t think I could do it. Buddha said, “All that we are is the result of what we have thought.” In other words, we can only achieve what we believe. Breathe in, breathe out, visualize the challenge, then decide you can. One of my two go-to mantras is this:
Decide you are capable.
Decide you deserve it.
Decide you are strong.
Decide you will succeed.
Struggling with that positive talk? I swear by these three tips:
1. Fake it ‘til you make it. Tell yourself you can do something, even if you don’t quite believe it. Repeat it to yourself again and again until you believe it’s true.
2. Visualize. I literally visualize everything, not just fitness. The interview for the job I want, the magazine cover I want to land, the goal I want to achieve. I replay various scenarios in my head over and over again throughout the day. I use all the energy it would take to be disappointed or frustrated and put it back into the universe with positivity.
3. Find Your Tribe. Don’t go it alone. Surround yourself with people who believe in you, want nothing but the best for you, and will remind you to get out of your own head and realize how awesome you are.
Now go crush your goals. I believe in you.
Be Empowered,
Emily
