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Think and be THIN!

People come to me every day and ask me the same question over and over again: "What can I do to lose weight? I've already tried exercise and eating right, but I just can't stay on track." My answer is usually very simple - "You must change your self-perception first."

Now why would I say something like that? What does self-perception have to do with weight loss anyway? All I can say, is that if you've experienced the start and stop of going to the gym, or nourishing your body with nutrient-rich foods, and you aren't seeing results, what you're "doing" probably has less to do with your success rate than you're aware of… Your self-perception is sabotaging your success.

I say that with quite conviction, don't I? Well, that's because I'm convinced. You have probably heard this said before, and if you haven't, let me share this with you… Your thoughts and beliefs lead to your feelings, which then lead to your actions, and then to your results.

Take a look:
Thoughts -> Feelings -> Actions -> Results

I won't argue that your actions will lead to your results - that's obvious! But what precedes your actions are your thoughts and feelings, or your beliefs, and those beliefs mean the difference between successful weight-loss, or continued failure in the weight room. Or anywhere else in your life, for that matter.

Trying to take actions that don't match up with your self-perception is like trying to eat spaghetti with your hands tied behind your back! It doesn't work, and it can be very frustrating…not to mention messy! The way you see yourself in this world - your selfperception - leads to your thoughts and feelings about who you are as a human being on this earth, which leads to actions which fulfill that self-perception, and then ultimately - results that support your self-perception, too.

Think about it. Would you consider yourself a busy person? Most people will agree that they lead relatively busy lives. Do you see yourself as a healthy and fit person? Most Americans will say "no" to that question. Now let me ask you this: if you were a person who considered him/herself to be busy and out of shape, what would you be most likely to do after a hectic day's work? Stop for take-out or stop at the gym? And what if you perceived yourself to be a busy person but you also perceived yourself to be healthy and fit, then what would you do at the end of your work day? You may even change your entire schedule to fit health and wellness into your life - because you perceive yourself to be a healthy and fit person! It really is quite simple - if you see yourself as too busy to exercise, and you look in the mirror and think, "I'm so out of shape!" what do you think you will do to support those beliefs? RIGHT! Your actions will continue to support those beliefs, and you will continue to see the same results.

So how can you change your self-perception? That is the question of the century. There are several different techniques available to you to help you change the way you see yourself: visualization, affirmations, meditation, daily "mental maintenance" exercises… Working with a coach can help you begin taking the first steps towards self-awareness and personal mastery. Not to mention, having a coach will also help you stay accountable to your new goals. When you start seeing yourself as the capable, deserving, incredibly amazing human being that you are, you will begin naturally taking action steps which are in alignment with your new self-perception. And then you will see the RESULTS YOU WANT!

I say, start with the way you think…then think about what to do!

Good luck! ##### Publisher's Box #####

© Annette Dykes, Certified Weight Loss & Life Coach, Certified Fitness Trainer.
Weight Loss Coaching at My Private Coach
Annette Dykes is the Life & Weight Loss Coach at My Private Coach. She can be contacted at info@myprivatecoach.com.
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