Creating a Mindset for Change

Over the last couple of years I have lost more than 100 pounds. To do that I changed my eating habits, but more importantly I changed my thinking process. One of the most important tools was something I call "This is who I am, this is what I do." It's a concept I learned at a lecture about making positive change.

The lecturer was an occasional jogger who'd decided one day to run a marathon. From then on, she changed her mindset, visualizing herself as a marathoner and living her life accordingly. When she came home from work and didn't feel like running, she'd simply say to herself: "I'm a marathon runner. This is who I am, this is what I do." When she went out to dinner and was offered desert, she'd say: "Thanks, but it's not who I am. It's not what I do."

There's a reason it's so important to have a mindset for change: if you try to have an argument with yourself, you will lose. It's better to decide to do something, and just make it a part of your routine.

Here's an example: since I have transitioned from losing weight to maintaining weight, I've allowed myself to eat ice cream - but only on occasion. On a recent trip to Israel, I found an excellent gelato shop right near my hotel. I soon found myself subconsciously changing my route to walk by the shop every night and inevitably, walking in and having some gelato. I was being mindless, which gets me in trouble every time.

To deal with this self-sabotage the most important tool was once again that old stand-by: "This is who I am, this is what I do." Rather than argue with myself - "I'm in Israel, they're famous for their ice cream, enjoying the food is part of the travel experience!." I prevented the argument before it even started. By repeating my mantra, I got myself into the mindset I needed to stay out of the gelato shop, and I was able to walk in a different direction feeling strong and capable.