Ep001: Inner Voices

In this first episode I share a few thoughts about dealing with the negative voices that prevent us from being who we were destined to be. I also offer tips on strengthening your positive inner voice. These voices impact all areas of your life: your health and fitness, financial status, relationships and personal development. Developing a positive inner voice is one of the best things you can do for yourself!

“Think you can, think you can’t, either way you will be right.” – Henry Ford

Questions to ask yourself before you believe the negative inner voices:

• Whose negative voice do you hear?
• Is this a person you trust or respect?
• Is this a person who knows you and what you want or are capable of doing?
• Is this a person who truly has your best interests at heart?

Questions to ask yourself before you discount the positive inner voices:

• Whose positive voice do you discount?
• Is this a person you trust or respect?
• Is this a person who knows you and what you want or are capable of doing?
• Is this a person who truly has your best interests at heart?

Ways to quiet your negative inner voice:

• Ask and answer the above questions each time you start to listen to a negative inner voice.

Ask yourself:

• Is the voice telling me today’s truth?
• Is the voice offering helpful guidance or critical judgment?
• Do you want to validate the words or thoughts of the negative voice or do you want to prove it wrong?
• Question whether you are responding to the word “should” or if you are actually making a choice.

Ways to strengthen your positive inner voice:

• Challenge the voice – Is it speaking the truth? The current truth?
• Argue with the voice – “You are wrong! I can do this!”
• Dismiss the voice – “Your opinion doesn’t matter to me.”
• Remember the positive comments made by someone you trust and respect.
• Remember that progress, not perfection, is what matters most.
• Remember that you have the right to learn new skills or change your attitudes and behaviors
• Remember you have the right to fail occasionally and still be successful.
• Remember kindness can be more satisfying than being right.

Some links mentioned in this episode:

My Fitness Pal – A free resource to help you monitor caloric intake and exercise. Community message boards allow for interaction and support from people with similar goals, questions, and successes.

Weight Watchers – In-person or online only fee-based weight loss program that encourages healthy eating. An online social community called Connect allows members to ask questions and encourage each other on their weight loss journey. The emphasis is on defining your “why” and learning how to eat healthier so you not only lose weight, but so that you also keep the weight off.

What do you do to silence negative inner voices? Share your best tips in the comments section below.