A few years ago, while trying out a new coffee joint in town with a friend, I turned to her and said:
I can’t run anymore.
It’s so hard.
I tried last week and it was like running in three feet of mud.
The week prior I texted my sister this:
Running is torture lately.
I went today and I was so slow.
But I want to run more.
Oh limiting thoughts + beliefs
They’re so damn sneaky. We think we’re having casual conversations with friends when really we’re telling ourselves a story that keeps us S-T-U-C-K.
“I don’t have time.”
“I’m not good at this.”
“I have too much to do.”
“I’m tired.”
Yes, you are legitimately tired. And, you do have too much to do. And, it is hard.
And, it really hurt me to run.
But… by continuing to tell myself and those I talked to that running wasn’t for me anymore, I was not only convincing myself not to run but each time I tried—and it didn’t go well—I confirmed that it was true, I shouldn’t be running. And this is how thoughts turn to beliefs.
Yup, Carly, you’re right—it’s time to give up running and to start taking slow walks around the block. Goodbye, endorphins, it was nice knowing you.
So first up:
Begin to take notice. Once you’re aware that you’re chatting to yourself or others about something that doesn’t make you feel good—there’s only one thing to do.
Replace it with a thought that makes you feel better.
Most likely you won’t be able to replace your negative thought with an amazing thought right out of the gate.
If I had tried to change my doom and gloom thoughts of running to, “I’m so fast—I can run all day long,” I wouldn’t have believed my “positive” affirmation.
Instead, I went for a better feeling thought.
I’m going to run twice a week to retrain my muscles.
Even if it’s a slow jog, I’m grateful for how it relaxed me.
I trust that I’ll begin to feel better after my next run.
And in any given moment, you have the ability to reach for a different thought. A better thought.
I’m appreciating the time I have.
I’m figuring it out.
I’m beginning to feel better in my body.
I’m grateful for what is working.
Pay close attention to what you’re telling yourself and others and how it makes you feel. Because when you continue to choose thoughts that make you feel good, the better thoughts become easier–you gain momentum.
You begin to open pathways of limitless potential. And that’s what I want for you.
It begins with a single thought.
