Being able to think about our thinking is the beauty of our amazing, advanced brains

It’s truly a gift we are given as humans.

We are the only species on the planet that has the ability to think about what we think about.

If, for instance, we notice ourselves thinking a lot of thoughts about how difficult this is, this can lead to feelings of frustration and then not-so-great actions. 

And it will then, make it seem more difficult than it actually is, just by virtue of our thoughts.

But if we can instead find ways to positively spin all of this in our minds, then we can create a better set of actions and ultimately get great results.

“This may be more work than what I’m used to, but I’ve done hard stuff before, and I can do it again.”

“Everything that I learn in this Challenge about myself will ultimately get me closer to being the 100% Nutritarian that I know I can and want to be.”

• “There are so many other amazing Challengers out there doing just what I’m doing, right now at this very moment! We’re a force to be reckoned with!”
• “At least I don’t have to do any deciding about what to eat!”
• “This food is already making me feel good, and helping me reach my goals…”

These types of thoughts will lead to great feelings over time. 

We just have to keep choosing those thoughts, and keep practicing them. What I mean by choosing these positive thoughts is:

1.) Pause for a moment to think about what you’re thinking about. 

2.) Notice if you’re thinking negatively or positively. (You can usually tell based on your current feeling. Do you have a good feeling or bad feeling? Try to think of what you’re thinking that is causing this.)

3.) Pinpoint the thought that is causing your feeling. “Ugh, this is just so hard.” “Dangit, I don’t WANT to eat another salad.” “Man, I really don’t want to prep my food right now.”

4.) If like the above thoughts, you notice you’re spinning everything negative, work to change the thoughts in the moment by adding something positive to the end, creating a “Bridge Thought.”

For instance:

“Ugh, this is just so hard,” can become “Ugh, this is just so hard because I’m not used to this. But of course I’m not used to it because in order to change I have to do different things. I’m going to just keep going and it will probably get easier as I go.”

Notice how I didn’t tell you to just think happy thoughts. That doesn’t work because we don’t believe the happy thoughts yet. 

But by using Bridge Thoughts, we can see where we have to go from where we are. 

And this can make all the difference in the world.

Especially when it’s just so much easier to choose demotivating thoughts.

We have the ability to choose our thoughts at ANY moment. Even when it’s hard.

So #1: work to notice what you’re thinking. And #2: skew it a bit more positive somehow!

You can do even so much more than this. I know you.