Who’s controlling YOU….

All too often we allow other factors/people the power of control over our choices, the deep rooted reasons why we do this may never be fully understood, but by being aware of HOW they impact you can make the difference between continuing on your successful journey, or going off the rails!

We all know how it feels to be coerced into making choices that aligned more closely with what others either want/think! It may be that all your lives you’ve allowed yourself to be herded in directions that others are choosing for you, and maybe it’s time to remind yourself of exactly what it is you want!!

Let’s say someone has upset you, in the past you may have reached for a comforting snack to make you feel better, with the hindsight you have now, you know there is no comfort found in food, it will only hurt further your confidence, self esteem and mood. Whatever makes you happy….. The best treatment for emotional, unhappy, sad and anger is activity! Get the good vibes back, release the happy endorphins. Best Foot Forward….. Don’t allow them the power to influence your future.!

There is no real understanding of why we seem to have an inbuilt need to keep others happy at the expense of ourselves. Maybe it’s time to think about ways of wording it so that it doesn’t appear awkward, it could be, I really don’t fancy that today. I’ve got a funny tummy, I’m not tolerating cream/butter at the moment.

Often the power is given to others more in social settings, it’s pressure to ” go along with everyone else” Let’s say you and a friend are meeting for a catch up and lunch, your friend wants to go for the two for £10.00, but you really don’t fancy the choice. Do you risk upsetting your friend, or do you upset yourself?? It may cost a little more, but surely you both deserve the power to choose!

There are some situations that current thinking make choices easier, let’s say you’ve driven there, no one will expect you to have alcohol, so it’s totally acceptable to say no. Unfortunately, the attitude when it comes to food, is go on one won’t hurt, but we’ve given in to that way of thinking in the past and look where we are now!

It’s can be a regular routine to meet for coffee , sadly it’s not always just a coffee, although many of the specialty drinks available are laden with calories! Why not add in a cake? Often the conversation goes, shall we have a cake? Ooooh no you reply, I’m being “good” to which your friend replies, well I won’t have one if you’re not!!! Dilemma!!! Another question to ask yourself is – how many times a week/month etc does this happen, you go along with others for a quiet life. It really does come down to who has the power over your decisions and choices – surely if you’re serious about better health it needs to be you!! Of course the argument could be one won’t hurt, but we all know it can lead to a slippery downhill spiral Snakes and Ladders and you are on the ladder to success!!

No matter what has gone before, the future is in your hands, and the more focused and determined you are to succeed the easier it becomes to own your choices, decisions and power!!!

You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realise this, and you will find strength

marcus aurelius