A big personal growth trap is looking externally for what you already have internally. I know this may sound crazy, but you are capable of giving yourself a better pep talk than any other person! And it’s way easier than you think, not to mention not as hockey as it sounds.
Personally, “I am” statements (for example I am beautiful , I am strong, I am talented) aren’t that impact for me, but that’s just me. I need a more narrowed, focused approach to my pep talks. For example, if I’m sore from a personal training session the day before and I wake up knowing I have to do cardio, I might be feeling a little de-motivated. So my pep talk might look something like this:
“Courtney, you love your cute workout outfit, you love your gym, you love your trainer, and you love how you feel after a good workout! You know your goal to run that half marathon in 6 weeks won’t train for itself, that’s all you girlfriend, but remember it gets easier every single time! Every run you run better, faster, stronger! You see and feel the results! It’s only 6 weeks, no biggie, you got this! And as a treat, you can have your favourite vanilla protein shake when you get home! Now play some pump up gym music while you get dressed.. Get it girl!”
See? That wasnt as cheesy and painful sounding as it could have been? It’s more of an internal dialog, A conversation wtih youself.
I love structure, because it’s super easy, so here’s the structure that I use for my pep talks:
- The Sunny Side: What do you love about what you are about to do? (even if you’re dreading it)
- What’s your Why: Why are you doing it, what’s the goal?
- Checkpoint: How will this thing you are about to do get you closer to your goal?
- Goodies: What reward can you give yourself after for a job well done? (Who doesn’t like goodies?)
So tell me, did this change your mindset a little on pep talks? Give a try! Let me know what you think!
Yours truly,
Courtney Schranz