3 Things You Gotta Know When Discouraged

I’ll never forget sitting across the table from Angie. Just looking at her tore my new coaching confidence to shreds.

Her eyes were full of pain. Her arms were folded across her chest in defiance. She literally dared me to help her as she said…  

“I’ve tried everything. Nothing’s worked. I don’t think this is going to work either. I don’t even know why I’m here.”

I got in my car after that first Workshop meeting praying, “God help us both!”

Over the next few months we all witnessed a remarkable transformation. Angie became an exuberant example of liberated eating, encouraging each of us with her honesty and determination.

I learned a valuable lesson from this brave lady.

Anyone can change.

Any. One.

Is there an uninvited saboteur in your head? A voice whispering that, no matter how hard you try, you won’t be able to accomplish what you want to accomplish? And even if you do, you certainly won’t be able to keep it?

If so, you’re not alone. Most of us live with a nagging belief that we are not enough.

This is the biggest obstacle I face as a coach. Not what people are capable of, but what they believe they are capable of.

Here’s the truth:

• You can live sanely with food.

• You can enjoy living in your body.

• You can accomplish what you want to accomplish, in spite of your obstacles.  

• You are more than enough for this journey.  

After walking with hundreds of people as they change their food-lives (and after reading lots of respected change gurus) here’s what we know will help you squash that discouraging resistance and move ahead with confidence…

3 Essential Elements:       

1. Leverage your past successes – You’ve already done hard stuff, and you’re still standing. Congratulate yourself!!!

Now lift your weary eyes, square your shoulders and look clearly at the brave things you’ve done. Take courage from them and bring those proven skills into this next pilgrimage.

2. Get in community. Stay in community – No one heals alone. Period.  

Sooner or later you will need to connect with a person or people who’ve been where you are. Safe people who are on your same journey. People who get you and what you’re doing.

This is why I’m not the lone Coach here at TLE. We have intentionally built a safe, fun and loving Community where each of us are nurtured and strengthened, together.

The longer you put off this vital connection piece, the longer your struggle will last.         

3. Understand it’s supposed to be messy –

We Westerners think once we’ve decided to do something then we’re supposed to carry it out “perfectly.” And when we don’t, we’ve failed. Truth is, authentic change is organic, multi-directional and full of relapses.  

You’re supposed to “mess up.” This is how you learn.  

So if you’re discouraged because you believe you’ve already “blown” your resolution or detox or diet or exercise program, please, just stop. Turn off the chatter in your brain a minute. Put your hand on your good heart, and draw a long deep breath.

Rest yourself a quiet moment.

Then practice trusting that you actually are more than enough for this journey. For indeed you are!

If you need some help believing, just holler.