Last night I fell asleep in my recliner, waking up about 2:00 am to the news flash of the powerful earthquake in Chile. Realizing that there wouldn’t be too much to report until later, I shut the T.V. off and went back to sleep.
As of now (2:35pm 2/27/2010) a much clearer picture has developed, and it offers a vivid example of the monolithic difference that being prepared for sets backs and catastrophes can make.
Recently, Haiti experienced a massive earthquake that measured 7.0 on the Richter scale, and, at this point, the body count exceeds 212,000. The population of Haiti is 9,035,536.
Last night, an earthquake measuring 8.8-500 times more powerful than the one that hit Haiti- blasted Chile. While it will be some time before a final body count is available, it currently stands at 122, and is not expected to increase significantly. The population of Chile is 16,601,707.
Now, before someone writes to inform me of the huge difference in economic stability between the two regions, rest assured that I am very much aware. With that being said, let’s examine a few key points.
Earthquakes are nothing new; they have been occurring for millions of years on planet earth, and can be expected to do so for many years to come. Experts had been warning of an earthquake in Haiti for years, as it was centered on top of the Enriquillo-Plantain Garden fault zone.
Earthquakes are certainly nothing new in Chile, either. In fact, Chile is the home of the world’s most powerful earthquake, one that measured a whopping 9.5 in 1960.
How can we account for the difference in deaths between Haiti and Chile? In a word, PREPARATION.
While it may be true that Haiti did not have the resources to prepare for earthquakes, it does not negate the fact that Chile was prepared, and Haiti, was not. This is the difference that made the difference.
You will recall, that on the first night, I spoke at length about the importance of planning for the events, that in the past had been set backs, or cause for deviating from your goal. Fortunately, when it comes to preparing adequately for long term weight loss, financial resources are seldom a problem. More often than not, the preparation ultimately comes down to engaging in the cognitive and mental planning, that, happily, is free for everyone’s use.
Have you taken the time to sit down with a notebook, and think clearly about the obstacles you have encountered in the past, and the potential obstacles you can expect to encounter in the future?
Then, have you developed a plan of action, for what you will immediately do if and when each of these potential “disasters” occurs?
Please, do not allow this to simply be an “information dump” each week. Get a notebook, a pen, and act like your long term weight loss adventure is as important as a wedding day.
Ironically, most people plan thoroughly for weeks, even months, for an event (wedding) that will last less than an hour. Most of those same people, however, have never devoted even 1/100th of the time to planning for their life.
If you are still around three weeks after the Mind Mastery for Long Term Weight Loss Series started, then I know you one on e of the rare few, who will actually apply what you are learning to make a lasting difference.
© Copyright 2010-Vincent Harris-All Rights Reserved.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Thanks for the High Level of Participation!
Just a note to let you know how wonderful it is to be working with such a focused group! Thanks for being on tonight's call; I'll post follow up remarks soon.
Vince
Vince
Monday, February 22, 2010
The Exercise Myth: When Exercise is Beneficial, and When It Can Actually Harm You
Anyone who has ever been serious about getting fit or losing weight…or, even better, losing weight and keeping it off knows that they are going to have to get their heart rate up for a sustained period of time several days a week.
Unfortunately, many people have been conditioned to think that to do this, they must exercise. Misunderstandings like this, coupled with the absence of the accurate model of the human needs, all but guarantees that millions of people are doomed to never lose weight and keep it off.
If you have done the full assessment of all 16 needs, you know where you stand regarding the desire for “physical activity” or exercise. If you rate high on this one, you’ll likely do well with the standard exercise regimens. If, however, you rated low on this one, going to the gym will most likely always be a struggle for you, and if this is the case, it is doing you more harm than good!
As you recall, we started off the first night talking a great deal about “stress”. To reiterate, the reason for that was the fact that the “stress response” all but makes it impossible to lose weight in a healthy way and then maintain that weight loss.
For most people, exercise is a magnificent way to counter the stress response. It lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease and many different types of metabolic challenges, and, overall, makes people feel better. However…
Exercise is “stress” buffering and health enhancing ONLY when you actually WANT to do it!
In rats and humans alike, when forced to exercise (even when self-forcing through will power) overall health worsens.
That’s right; the “stress response” negates any beneficial aspects of exercise, and actually causes your health, and ability to lose weight and keep it off, to go the opposite direction of the one you desire most.
Because of the incredibly detrimental impact the “stress response” has on blood glucose levels, and the increase of stress hormones like adrenalin and cortisol, exercise will actually play a big role in making sure someone does NOT lose body fat. (We’ve all seen the people who walk, walk, walk or run, run, run every single day, and yet…they are still FAT)
So, what’s a person to do, then, if the goal is to lose some weight and then stay close to that weight for many years to come?
Wouldn’t you know, the answer comes right back to, you guessed it ...the Human Needs Assessment!
If for example, you rated low on “physical activity”, chances are good that you’ve never had a period in your life where you went to the gym or some kind of intense exercise class, month after month, for years on end. And, it’s not likely that you ever will. (I didn’t say you “can’t” just that it is not likely)
This is where many “fitness gurus” are completely lost. They urge you to use “self-discipline” and “do it even if you don’t feel like it!” This makes for good television, but is a very poor strategy for long-term weight loss.
Let me ask you, even if you rate low on “physical activity”, isn’t it true that you have been doing some kind of activity, in the past, like playing with the kids or grandkids, or in the woods looking for a certain kind of leaf you needed for a craft project etc. and after a while, you realized that your heart rate was up, and that you had in fact been doing a fair amount of physical activity?
Most have, but because you didn’t set out to “exercise”, specifically, you had actually been enjoying yourself; you were not focused on the “physical exercise” aspect of what you were doing, you were pleasantly distracted and allowed something else to capture the foreground of you awareness.
When you are active in such a way that you are enjoying it, you will avoid the stress response, and tap into the benefits of physical activity. When you don’t enjoy what you are doing, you’ve lost most of the benefit, and have even created some negative consequences.
Look at your needs assessment. What are your top or HIGH rated needs/desires? This is where you will find the “secret” for engaging in activity that you will enjoy, and get your heart rate up in a way that you almost won’t even notice.
Romance/Sex is a HIGH rated need/desire for many people; even for some of those who have a LOW rating on physical activity. Interesting, eh?
The research is piled high on the ability of sex to increase the heart rate and usher forth the identical benefits of exercise.
Honor is another need/desire we can examine. If you rate HIGH on honor, what if you were engaged in an ongoing fundraiser for someone or something that you felt very strongly about? Maybe you were being paid so much for every mile you walk, jog, etc. In this case, you would not be going out to exercise every day, you would be doing something for the purpose of meeting the need/desire of HONOR, and the way you felt about the activity would change everything. More specifically, it would avoid the “stress response”.
Whenever I am working with a client who is dealing with a long standing problem, I make sure we have an understanding from the start. I say “You’ve been dealing with this for 5 years now. Would you agree that if you knew how to take care of it on your own, you would have already?” They almost always say “Yes”.
I follow with this; “There may be some things I ask you to do, that may not make sense to you, or may clash with some of your beliefs. However, since your way hasn’t worked out so well, and you are paying me to help you, let’s do my way. Do I have your full commitment to my way, even if it doesn’t make sense at first?”
If some of the ideas in this article are at odds with what you have used up until now…that’s wonderful. It means that it is new, and “new “means it is different from what you had done that didn’t work, in the past.
© Copyright 2010-Vincent Harris-All Rights Reserved.
Unfortunately, many people have been conditioned to think that to do this, they must exercise. Misunderstandings like this, coupled with the absence of the accurate model of the human needs, all but guarantees that millions of people are doomed to never lose weight and keep it off.
If you have done the full assessment of all 16 needs, you know where you stand regarding the desire for “physical activity” or exercise. If you rate high on this one, you’ll likely do well with the standard exercise regimens. If, however, you rated low on this one, going to the gym will most likely always be a struggle for you, and if this is the case, it is doing you more harm than good!
As you recall, we started off the first night talking a great deal about “stress”. To reiterate, the reason for that was the fact that the “stress response” all but makes it impossible to lose weight in a healthy way and then maintain that weight loss.
For most people, exercise is a magnificent way to counter the stress response. It lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease and many different types of metabolic challenges, and, overall, makes people feel better. However…
Exercise is “stress” buffering and health enhancing ONLY when you actually WANT to do it!
In rats and humans alike, when forced to exercise (even when self-forcing through will power) overall health worsens.
That’s right; the “stress response” negates any beneficial aspects of exercise, and actually causes your health, and ability to lose weight and keep it off, to go the opposite direction of the one you desire most.
Because of the incredibly detrimental impact the “stress response” has on blood glucose levels, and the increase of stress hormones like adrenalin and cortisol, exercise will actually play a big role in making sure someone does NOT lose body fat. (We’ve all seen the people who walk, walk, walk or run, run, run every single day, and yet…they are still FAT)
So, what’s a person to do, then, if the goal is to lose some weight and then stay close to that weight for many years to come?
Wouldn’t you know, the answer comes right back to, you guessed it ...the Human Needs Assessment!
If for example, you rated low on “physical activity”, chances are good that you’ve never had a period in your life where you went to the gym or some kind of intense exercise class, month after month, for years on end. And, it’s not likely that you ever will. (I didn’t say you “can’t” just that it is not likely)
This is where many “fitness gurus” are completely lost. They urge you to use “self-discipline” and “do it even if you don’t feel like it!” This makes for good television, but is a very poor strategy for long-term weight loss.
Let me ask you, even if you rate low on “physical activity”, isn’t it true that you have been doing some kind of activity, in the past, like playing with the kids or grandkids, or in the woods looking for a certain kind of leaf you needed for a craft project etc. and after a while, you realized that your heart rate was up, and that you had in fact been doing a fair amount of physical activity?
Most have, but because you didn’t set out to “exercise”, specifically, you had actually been enjoying yourself; you were not focused on the “physical exercise” aspect of what you were doing, you were pleasantly distracted and allowed something else to capture the foreground of you awareness.
When you are active in such a way that you are enjoying it, you will avoid the stress response, and tap into the benefits of physical activity. When you don’t enjoy what you are doing, you’ve lost most of the benefit, and have even created some negative consequences.
Look at your needs assessment. What are your top or HIGH rated needs/desires? This is where you will find the “secret” for engaging in activity that you will enjoy, and get your heart rate up in a way that you almost won’t even notice.
Romance/Sex is a HIGH rated need/desire for many people; even for some of those who have a LOW rating on physical activity. Interesting, eh?
The research is piled high on the ability of sex to increase the heart rate and usher forth the identical benefits of exercise.
Honor is another need/desire we can examine. If you rate HIGH on honor, what if you were engaged in an ongoing fundraiser for someone or something that you felt very strongly about? Maybe you were being paid so much for every mile you walk, jog, etc. In this case, you would not be going out to exercise every day, you would be doing something for the purpose of meeting the need/desire of HONOR, and the way you felt about the activity would change everything. More specifically, it would avoid the “stress response”.
Whenever I am working with a client who is dealing with a long standing problem, I make sure we have an understanding from the start. I say “You’ve been dealing with this for 5 years now. Would you agree that if you knew how to take care of it on your own, you would have already?” They almost always say “Yes”.
I follow with this; “There may be some things I ask you to do, that may not make sense to you, or may clash with some of your beliefs. However, since your way hasn’t worked out so well, and you are paying me to help you, let’s do my way. Do I have your full commitment to my way, even if it doesn’t make sense at first?”
If some of the ideas in this article are at odds with what you have used up until now…that’s wonderful. It means that it is new, and “new “means it is different from what you had done that didn’t work, in the past.
© Copyright 2010-Vincent Harris-All Rights Reserved.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Thursday night recording
I have sent the link for Thursday nights call to everyone I have an email address for. If you have not requested your Human Needs Assessment, or CD discussed in Thursdays call, send an email to Vince@VinceHarris.com
These are bonus gifts that were not included in the package, so only those who request, and who are participating will get them. Don't let them get away from you.
Watch for a video post at the first of the week!
Here's a question to think about. What actions have you taken at this point? Are you just absorbing data and information, or, are you using the information to shape better decisions and take specific actions that contribute to the changes you desire?
I used to have people call, wanting to make an appointment for weight loss. I'd book it for two weeks from that day. Then, one week later, I'd call and ask "How many times have you walked or exercised since I talked to you?" If the answer was "none" I'd postpone the appointment another two weeks.
See, when people are truly wanting to get started, they'll get started, even before they know the most efficient or best way to do so. They can learn as they move along, but getting started matters more than anything else.
Have a super weekend!
Vince
These are bonus gifts that were not included in the package, so only those who request, and who are participating will get them. Don't let them get away from you.
Watch for a video post at the first of the week!
Here's a question to think about. What actions have you taken at this point? Are you just absorbing data and information, or, are you using the information to shape better decisions and take specific actions that contribute to the changes you desire?
I used to have people call, wanting to make an appointment for weight loss. I'd book it for two weeks from that day. Then, one week later, I'd call and ask "How many times have you walked or exercised since I talked to you?" If the answer was "none" I'd postpone the appointment another two weeks.
See, when people are truly wanting to get started, they'll get started, even before they know the most efficient or best way to do so. They can learn as they move along, but getting started matters more than anything else.
Have a super weekend!
Vince
It's an Honor!
I wanted to take a moment to tell you how much I respect your follow through. If you are reading this, it's likely that you had subscribed to this blog, where a great deal of this series is unfolding. You are also likely to be one of the few who have requested the Human Needs Assessment Form. And....if you have done that, then you have already found out that I'm pretty quick to answer emails and work with you on your questions etc. Follow through is so critical.
On a side note, go to any rummage sale, and you will likely find "Get Rich" and "Weight Loss" programs for sale THAT AR STILL IN THE PACKAGE-NEVER OPENED. Amazing, but such a reflection of the unwillingness of many, to simply take simple action.
If you are following the blog posts, but have not subscribed, and didn't happen to be on last nights call, there is a CD available to you-at no cost-that has sold on my website for $49.95. It contains 4 tracks, including the "Hypnotic Shortcut Eating Strategy" discussed on last nights call, as well as a leading edge multiple track mind priming track on track number 4. I'll post more n the CD later.
TO GET THE CD send an email to vince@vinceharris.com with a subject line of I WANT CD.
Also, if you have not requested the Human Needs Assessment Form, and you want to get the most from the series, get is asap. It is a very core part of the entire series.
Look for the link to listen to last nights call, sometime later today.
Be well!
Vince
On a side note, go to any rummage sale, and you will likely find "Get Rich" and "Weight Loss" programs for sale THAT AR STILL IN THE PACKAGE-NEVER OPENED. Amazing, but such a reflection of the unwillingness of many, to simply take simple action.
If you are following the blog posts, but have not subscribed, and didn't happen to be on last nights call, there is a CD available to you-at no cost-that has sold on my website for $49.95. It contains 4 tracks, including the "Hypnotic Shortcut Eating Strategy" discussed on last nights call, as well as a leading edge multiple track mind priming track on track number 4. I'll post more n the CD later.
TO GET THE CD send an email to vince@vinceharris.com with a subject line of I WANT CD.
Also, if you have not requested the Human Needs Assessment Form, and you want to get the most from the series, get is asap. It is a very core part of the entire series.
Look for the link to listen to last nights call, sometime later today.
Be well!
Vince
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Cinnamon for Life?
Remember, one of the “magic questions for long term weight loss is “Can I do this for the rest of my life?” About a year ago, I asked this about cinnamon, and the answer was “YES!” You may be thinking “Cinnamon?” Let me explain.
I came to discover the importance of keeping stable blood sugar levels for cardiovascular health in an interesting way. Little did I know it would also result in an almost effortless weight loss of 15 pounds over the next 4 months.
I was aware that there was some heart disease on both sides of the family, with one side, in particular having a fair amount of diabetes. So, I began looking through the research available on using supplements to stabilize and lower blood sugar levels. What I found interested me, but what I experienced was nothing short of amazing.
(You do not have to have diabetes or a history of diabetes in your family to benefit from this. Most people become somewhat insulin resistant as they age, and anything that increases your insulin sensitivity, will not only contribute to you cardiovascular health, but make losing weight and maintaining it MUCH easier)
I was able to access and find an abundance of research through the database in my graduate school program. To get you started, however, I’ll provide a few quick and simple links you can check out at the end of the post.
I began taking cinnamon capsules with every meal. I have not eaten a single meal, in over a year, without also taking my cinnamon/chromium capsules. (I take Walgreen’s Cinnamon with Chromium-Chromium is a mineral that also assists in metabolizing sugar)
Cost is not a significant factor; cinnamon is a relatively inexpensive supplement. I plan to take it with every meal for the rest of my life, just as I have something to drink with every meal, and will for the rest of my life. Not a big deal, and very, very simple and easy to do.
The result? My fasting blood glucose is lower. I no longer get sleepy or tired after eating a meal that is heavier in carbohydrates than usual. I lost about 15 pounds-most of it the stubborn stuff around my waist that had never been responsive to anything else. (With insulin resistance, the waist and hips tend to harbor fat that is more resistant than other areas of the body)
Hypnosis and/or other mental and cognitive strategies are not the secret to weight loss.
Diet and nutrition is not the secret to weight loss.
Exercise is not the secret to weight loss.
Proper rest and sleep is not the secret to weight loss.
Reducing “stress” is to the secret to weight loss.
The “secret” is to use it ALL. Use every available told and strategy to make it as simple and easy as possible, while always being able to answer the question “Can I do this the rest of my life” with a big booming “YES!”
Is cinnamon the “magic bullet”? No, it’s not. However, for some people, it can truly make a big enough difference to make it an essential part of the overall simple and easy plan.
(I am having trouble posting the links. Just google "Cinnamon diabetes" and you'll find plenty)
Be well!
Vince
I came to discover the importance of keeping stable blood sugar levels for cardiovascular health in an interesting way. Little did I know it would also result in an almost effortless weight loss of 15 pounds over the next 4 months.
I was aware that there was some heart disease on both sides of the family, with one side, in particular having a fair amount of diabetes. So, I began looking through the research available on using supplements to stabilize and lower blood sugar levels. What I found interested me, but what I experienced was nothing short of amazing.
(You do not have to have diabetes or a history of diabetes in your family to benefit from this. Most people become somewhat insulin resistant as they age, and anything that increases your insulin sensitivity, will not only contribute to you cardiovascular health, but make losing weight and maintaining it MUCH easier)
I was able to access and find an abundance of research through the database in my graduate school program. To get you started, however, I’ll provide a few quick and simple links you can check out at the end of the post.
I began taking cinnamon capsules with every meal. I have not eaten a single meal, in over a year, without also taking my cinnamon/chromium capsules. (I take Walgreen’s Cinnamon with Chromium-Chromium is a mineral that also assists in metabolizing sugar)
Cost is not a significant factor; cinnamon is a relatively inexpensive supplement. I plan to take it with every meal for the rest of my life, just as I have something to drink with every meal, and will for the rest of my life. Not a big deal, and very, very simple and easy to do.
The result? My fasting blood glucose is lower. I no longer get sleepy or tired after eating a meal that is heavier in carbohydrates than usual. I lost about 15 pounds-most of it the stubborn stuff around my waist that had never been responsive to anything else. (With insulin resistance, the waist and hips tend to harbor fat that is more resistant than other areas of the body)
Hypnosis and/or other mental and cognitive strategies are not the secret to weight loss.
Diet and nutrition is not the secret to weight loss.
Exercise is not the secret to weight loss.
Proper rest and sleep is not the secret to weight loss.
Reducing “stress” is to the secret to weight loss.
The “secret” is to use it ALL. Use every available told and strategy to make it as simple and easy as possible, while always being able to answer the question “Can I do this the rest of my life” with a big booming “YES!”
Is cinnamon the “magic bullet”? No, it’s not. However, for some people, it can truly make a big enough difference to make it an essential part of the overall simple and easy plan.
(I am having trouble posting the links. Just google "Cinnamon diabetes" and you'll find plenty)
Be well!
Vince
Sunday, February 14, 2010
A Bonus that Will Give You a BIG Boost!
Hi,
Okay, this wasn't part of the original plan, but wanted to include this.
As I mentioned on the first night, Dr. Reiss has he most comprehensive model of human needs/desires to date.
The wealth of information that can be gleaned from getting a detailed look at your Human Needs Landscape is mind blowing. You'll be astonished at how much easier things fall into place when you have this to work with.
So, I've put together a PDF of the entire 16 Desires so you can do a self-assessment using the comprehensive and complete list.
Going to do something else as well. If you take the time to complete the assessment, I will help you use your findings to put together a plan that works for you, in terms of how you structure your eating/activity for long-term success. This was not part of the original plan either, so take advantage if interested. For this alone, I normally charge $250.
(Just shoot me an email with a subject line of "Send Assessment" and I'll send the PDF attachment)
One more thing, while many more may have been to the blog, I only see that three have subscribed. Please let anyone you know who signed up, to come to the blog and subscribe. When they do, each new post will be sent to them via email. Otherwise, over the coming weeks, they are going to miss a massive amount of information, videos, who knows what all. Also, being active here on the blog significantly increases the likelihood of getting involved and taking action on the stuff we are working with. So, let them know:)
Warmly,
Vince
Okay, this wasn't part of the original plan, but wanted to include this.
As I mentioned on the first night, Dr. Reiss has he most comprehensive model of human needs/desires to date.
The wealth of information that can be gleaned from getting a detailed look at your Human Needs Landscape is mind blowing. You'll be astonished at how much easier things fall into place when you have this to work with.
So, I've put together a PDF of the entire 16 Desires so you can do a self-assessment using the comprehensive and complete list.
Going to do something else as well. If you take the time to complete the assessment, I will help you use your findings to put together a plan that works for you, in terms of how you structure your eating/activity for long-term success. This was not part of the original plan either, so take advantage if interested. For this alone, I normally charge $250.
(Just shoot me an email with a subject line of "Send Assessment" and I'll send the PDF attachment)
One more thing, while many more may have been to the blog, I only see that three have subscribed. Please let anyone you know who signed up, to come to the blog and subscribe. When they do, each new post will be sent to them via email. Otherwise, over the coming weeks, they are going to miss a massive amount of information, videos, who knows what all. Also, being active here on the blog significantly increases the likelihood of getting involved and taking action on the stuff we are working with. So, let them know:)
Warmly,
Vince
Another Look at Maps
This video was not created for the Mind Mastery for Weight Loss group, however, since it discusses the concept of the mental maps we create, I thought I would share it here as well.
By the way, the content of what is covered in this program over the next few weeks will be the core of a multi-media program I will make available for others at some point in the future. So, I'd love to here your feedback on the things you find most helpful so I can create an even better product. In return, I will make a FREE copy of the final program available to each registered member of this workshop series.
By the way, the content of what is covered in this program over the next few weeks will be the core of a multi-media program I will make available for others at some point in the future. So, I'd love to here your feedback on the things you find most helpful so I can create an even better product. In return, I will make a FREE copy of the final program available to each registered member of this workshop series.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Reminder
Hi,
Just a reminder; this series is designed to build on the week before, so the more you reflect upon and work with the material from any given week, the more useful the material of any subsequent week will be.
The key areas from the first week are :\
1. Human Needs
2. Starting the process of discovering "how" you stress, and then unplugging those components so you can do something else.
Remember, the goal of "not feeling stressed" lacks direction. It only speaks of what you don't want, but not of what you'd like to experience instead.
Imagine a waiter asking what you want to eat, and you say "I don't want green beans or chicken" There are still many things left that he might bring you, and the chance of him getting something that suits you well is slim.
Likewise, the brain "shorts" when it is given a directive like "I don't want to be stressed" However, when you zero in on what you DO want, it makes the process of accessing it much smoother. "I want to feel confident"
How do you breathe when you are stressed? Confident?
Facial expressions when stressed? Confident?
What are the maps you use when you are stressed? Confident?
What stories do you tell yourself when stressed? Confident?
During the next few weeks, it might be a good idea to have a spiral notebook nearby so you can get your thoughts down on paper and get these concepts into action.
Here is an exercise for you so you can begin to feel the difference your physiology makes in how you feel.
Look up at the ceiling and attempt to feel sad while doing so. Do this for 30 seconds.
Next, look down at the floor, and discover how much more easily you can access sad feelings when looking down.
Knowing this, if feeling down, or sad has been an issue, simply STOP looking down, and glance up any time you feel yourself starting to get into a funk.
Just this one little shift can be a powerful step in being able to shift into empowering states at will.
Vince
Just a reminder; this series is designed to build on the week before, so the more you reflect upon and work with the material from any given week, the more useful the material of any subsequent week will be.
The key areas from the first week are :\
1. Human Needs
2. Starting the process of discovering "how" you stress, and then unplugging those components so you can do something else.
Remember, the goal of "not feeling stressed" lacks direction. It only speaks of what you don't want, but not of what you'd like to experience instead.
Imagine a waiter asking what you want to eat, and you say "I don't want green beans or chicken" There are still many things left that he might bring you, and the chance of him getting something that suits you well is slim.
Likewise, the brain "shorts" when it is given a directive like "I don't want to be stressed" However, when you zero in on what you DO want, it makes the process of accessing it much smoother. "I want to feel confident"
How do you breathe when you are stressed? Confident?
Facial expressions when stressed? Confident?
What are the maps you use when you are stressed? Confident?
What stories do you tell yourself when stressed? Confident?
During the next few weeks, it might be a good idea to have a spiral notebook nearby so you can get your thoughts down on paper and get these concepts into action.
Here is an exercise for you so you can begin to feel the difference your physiology makes in how you feel.
Look up at the ceiling and attempt to feel sad while doing so. Do this for 30 seconds.
Next, look down at the floor, and discover how much more easily you can access sad feelings when looking down.
Knowing this, if feeling down, or sad has been an issue, simply STOP looking down, and glance up any time you feel yourself starting to get into a funk.
Just this one little shift can be a powerful step in being able to shift into empowering states at will.
Vince
Here is a great quote from, Danica Patrick; female race car phenomenon. She was making her NASCAR debut on Saturday at Daytona, but a 12 car pile up half way through the race put an end to that. You can get a peek inside of the belief system she uses to navigate from the quote below.
“It’s important to have realistic expectations,” Patrick said. “There’s going to be spikes in performance, I don’t doubt that. But there’s also going to be tough days. And today, I would say, was more of a tough day.”
Not a “big deal”; no “set back” to “overcome”. In fact, it was all just a part of what her belief system included and knew to expect at some point. Nothing more, nothing less.
What contingency plans will you put in place to smoothly address them in the future?
Break an ankle? What is plan B for continuing to get some form of exercise?
A meeting you hadn't planned on? Where and when will you exercise instead?
Remember, weight loss- and weight maintenance-barring endocrine challenges like undiagnosed diabetes, thyroid conditions etc. will always come down to eating/exercising/sleeping
So, the big question/s then, are "what have been the things in the past that interfered with eating in a useful way, exercising sufficiently, and getting the proper amount of sleep?
Whatever your answers, that represents the crux of what the challenge has been with maintaining long term weight loss.
Now, start developing backup plans, so that when these things happen again(and they will) they are no longer a problem.
Chat with you soon!
Vince
Friday, February 12, 2010
Human Needs Example
Hi,
Last night, I had a few questions about the Human Needs. More specifically, how to apply it to weight loss.
First, don't get too wrapped up in this. Believe me, the following sessions will consist of a far more straight forward collection of simple to do, "do this" strategies and techniques. The Human Needs information, more than anything else, is to allow you to stop being (if you have been in the past) so hard on yourself, and, to realize, that every behavior, no matter how crazy or illogical it may feel, seem or appear, has a positive intention, and is meeting one or more of your needs on an intense level.
Here is an example of what someone may discover when looking through the lens of the Human Needs Model.
"Mary" has never lost weight (of any significance, or length of time in her life) before. She sets goals-usually just before summer, or around New Years- but never really gets going.
While examining her behavior following all of her past goals that just never got started, she notices that every single time she has "decided" to lose weight in the past, it has only been after a friend, loved one co-worker, etc. has told her how "pretty" she is, and that it's such a shame she doesn't maximize her "gift" and take better care of herself. Initially, she is inspired, but then....
So,the question is HOW does Mary get excited, but then fail to take action?
What she discovers is an eye opening revelation; she finds that the number one need she meets by not getting started, and not losing weight, is the need of significance. When she resisted her friends, loved ones etc. she had unconsciously been meeting the need of feeling important. In short, she is "standing up for herself"..at least that's how she percieves it.
She is able to meet the need for connection in a powerful way as well. Most of her close friends are overweight. She can now see, that whenever someone in the group became thin, and was able to wear new and different clothes, the people who were still overweight grew resentful, and started to "push" the thinner person out of the group, not including them in as many activities. Unconsciously, she had picked up on this in the past and surmised that by staying overweight, she could also stay connected.
Of course, having been overweight for most of her life, it met the need for certainty on a very high level. After all, being 40 lbs lighter would be full of uncertainty "How would people treat me?" "How would my spouse feel about it?" This would be very new territory.
This is just an example. It will be different for everyone, but this should get you started in finding what needs your past decisions and behaviors have been meeting.
Don't worry about doing too much with what you discover, at this point...just notice.
Talk with you soon!
Vince
Last night, I had a few questions about the Human Needs. More specifically, how to apply it to weight loss.
First, don't get too wrapped up in this. Believe me, the following sessions will consist of a far more straight forward collection of simple to do, "do this" strategies and techniques. The Human Needs information, more than anything else, is to allow you to stop being (if you have been in the past) so hard on yourself, and, to realize, that every behavior, no matter how crazy or illogical it may feel, seem or appear, has a positive intention, and is meeting one or more of your needs on an intense level.
Here is an example of what someone may discover when looking through the lens of the Human Needs Model.
"Mary" has never lost weight (of any significance, or length of time in her life) before. She sets goals-usually just before summer, or around New Years- but never really gets going.
While examining her behavior following all of her past goals that just never got started, she notices that every single time she has "decided" to lose weight in the past, it has only been after a friend, loved one co-worker, etc. has told her how "pretty" she is, and that it's such a shame she doesn't maximize her "gift" and take better care of herself. Initially, she is inspired, but then....
So,the question is HOW does Mary get excited, but then fail to take action?
What she discovers is an eye opening revelation; she finds that the number one need she meets by not getting started, and not losing weight, is the need of significance. When she resisted her friends, loved ones etc. she had unconsciously been meeting the need of feeling important. In short, she is "standing up for herself"..at least that's how she percieves it.
She is able to meet the need for connection in a powerful way as well. Most of her close friends are overweight. She can now see, that whenever someone in the group became thin, and was able to wear new and different clothes, the people who were still overweight grew resentful, and started to "push" the thinner person out of the group, not including them in as many activities. Unconsciously, she had picked up on this in the past and surmised that by staying overweight, she could also stay connected.
Of course, having been overweight for most of her life, it met the need for certainty on a very high level. After all, being 40 lbs lighter would be full of uncertainty "How would people treat me?" "How would my spouse feel about it?" This would be very new territory.
This is just an example. It will be different for everyone, but this should get you started in finding what needs your past decisions and behaviors have been meeting.
Don't worry about doing too much with what you discover, at this point...just notice.
Talk with you soon!
Vince
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Great Kickoff!
Thank you for attending the kickoff evening in the Mind Mastery for Weight Loss Series!
Be sure to subscribe to the blog so you'll receive automatic notice of any updates.
Here's a recap of the main points of the first night:
There is no such "thing" as stress. Stress is what is known as a nominalization; a verb or description of a process that has been altered and appears or sounds like a noun, or "thing"
We engage in the process of stressing.
Any state, feeling, or emotion is the result the follwing 3 actions(Magic Triangle)
1. The way we use our body or physiology.
2. The internal maps we create
3. The stories we tell ourselves
When we use our body in a more useful way, we create a more empowering state.
Poorly designed, or highly inaccurate "maps" will contribute to poor states
When we are feeling "negative" or less than resourrceful, the stories we are telling oursleves are probably not the best interpretation of what our situation means, that we are capable of creating.
Optimal states result from telling better stories, becoming aware of, altering and updating our "maps" and shifting our physiology into new patterns of use.
The 16 Basic Desires Profile of Dr. Reiss:
1. Power
2.Independence
3.Curiosity
4.Acceptance
5.Order
6.Saving
7.Honor
8.Idealism
9.Social Contact
10.Family
11.Status
12.Vengeance
13.Romance
14. Eating
15.Physical Activity
16. Tranquility
Condensed to a Easier Form to Work with:
Human Needs:
1.Certainty/Comfort
2.Variety/Uncertainty
3.Significance/Importance
4.Connection/Love
5.Growth
6. Contribution
Be sure to check back from time to time, as I'll be posting on a regular basis during the next few weeks!
Thanks again!
Vince
Be sure to subscribe to the blog so you'll receive automatic notice of any updates.
Here's a recap of the main points of the first night:
There is no such "thing" as stress. Stress is what is known as a nominalization; a verb or description of a process that has been altered and appears or sounds like a noun, or "thing"
We engage in the process of stressing.
Any state, feeling, or emotion is the result the follwing 3 actions(Magic Triangle)
1. The way we use our body or physiology.
2. The internal maps we create
3. The stories we tell ourselves
When we use our body in a more useful way, we create a more empowering state.
Poorly designed, or highly inaccurate "maps" will contribute to poor states
When we are feeling "negative" or less than resourrceful, the stories we are telling oursleves are probably not the best interpretation of what our situation means, that we are capable of creating.
Optimal states result from telling better stories, becoming aware of, altering and updating our "maps" and shifting our physiology into new patterns of use.
The 16 Basic Desires Profile of Dr. Reiss:
1. Power
2.Independence
3.Curiosity
4.Acceptance
5.Order
6.Saving
7.Honor
8.Idealism
9.Social Contact
10.Family
11.Status
12.Vengeance
13.Romance
14. Eating
15.Physical Activity
16. Tranquility
Condensed to a Easier Form to Work with:
Human Needs:
1.Certainty/Comfort
2.Variety/Uncertainty
3.Significance/Importance
4.Connection/Love
5.Growth
6. Contribution
Be sure to check back from time to time, as I'll be posting on a regular basis during the next few weeks!
Thanks again!
Vince
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)