Everyday Systems

I want to share something that I read on some other board somewhere. It's not my original idea, but I've been borrowing it because I find this visualization tip very helpful and inspiring.

Losing weight and getting healthy are like being on a bridge. Staying true to the No S rules means I'm crossing the bridge towards my goal. When choosing whether or not to deviate from the No S rules, I'll stop and actually visualize myself on that bridge. My choice (to snack, have seconds, eat sweets, whatever) will determine if I continue to cross the bridge toward my goal of good health or turn around and head back the way I came from. It's a question of how quickly I want to achieve my goal.

And what's nice is that if I find myself going the wrong way on that bridge, because of a poor decision, it's totally within my power to choose to turn around and head back across the bridge towards my goal. One (or many) poor decisions just mean I've backtracked, not that I've given up and thrown myself off the bridge!

I'm very visual, so "seeing" myself on that bridge is very powerful. Perhaps it will prove helpful to some of you.

love it! I so thought you were gonna jump. glad you didn't! I'm going to use this from now on. thanks!

This is a great image...

Another, related way to picture it is as a chain. Everyday you're "on habit", you add a link to that chain. If temptation is looming large and you're considering going off habit, ask "even if one day doesn't make such a huge difference in itself, do I really want to break this great tremendous chain I've been building?"

Reinhard

Very helpful! Thanks for sharing. I plan to use it!!

Hey the bridge a super idea. All you have to do is turn around and get back on track. Added to the chain idea there are two fantastic visual aids to keep you moving forward.

I like the chain visionalzation. I think I'll use paperclips for the chain. Then I can hold on to it. If I have 30 or 31 paperclips at the end of the month I'll get that gold metal. Thanks for the idea!

viggie wrote:I like the chain visionalzation. I think I'll use paperclips for the chain. Then I can hold on to it. If I have 30 or 31 paperclips at the end of the month I'll get that gold metal. Thanks for the idea!

Oh, that's too cool! I love it!

I really like the chain idea...and the paperclips, because it's something tangible/physical to see and touch.