“Commitment is an exclusionary process”. Quite an interesting statement…but what does it really mean?
In our line of work here at The Body Camp in Ibiza, (thebodycamp.com) we’ve seen that saying NO has huge power.
Too often in life we say YES to everything, over committing, over indulging ourselves and even saying YES to please other people.
Which is why we make it a priority to discuss boundaries with our guests, since they play an important part in our lives. Without them, we would say YES to everything and feel powerless, leading to devastating effects.
During the winter season and especially over the holidays, it’s vital to remember that saying YES to many things, can lead to short term pleasure but long term discomfort, pain and consequences. We can say YES to many things in life and sometimes this can be a good thing – on certain occasions!
But saying NO can be very powerful too. When we say NO, we are remembering who’s important (you) and understand that people or external events have no real power over us….it’s how we think about the event or people’s words that give them power!
We always have the choice to say NO to anything in life, which we feel will not benefit us – especially in regards to our health.
There are many reasons that people are afraid of saying NO.… fear of hurting someone’s feelings – about health-related beliefs, or about better nutrition choices. Then there is fear of
abandonment and of not “fitting in” with friends, who might all want to go out drinking. Fear of shame – of eating healthily in front of others, being seen as a ‘health nut’ or of people looking at you at the gym. Fear of being seen as bad or selfish – just for looking after yourself. Yes, the list goes on and on, but you have to eliminate not just the bad choices but also the mindset of shame. Because here is what can happen when we say YES too often….
Saying YES to that extra alcoholic drink at a social event can lead to worse decision making later!
Saying YES to a second helping of food at the buffet or at a family gathering – can lead to more body fat and bad feelings! (A moment on the lips, a lifetime on the hips!)
Saying YES to friends who wants you to go somewhere, instead of hitting the gym at night time!
But here are some examples of what happens when NO is used to powerful effect by you and others….
“NO, I do not want another large plate of food – again – thank you” (To say when the family are over-feeding you during the holidays).
“NO, I am not gonna to buy more sweets to fill up my cupboards – I will buy fruits instead!
“NO, I don’t mind if you think I am a “health freak” – just because I drink a Bodycamp smoothie every day (forgive the shameless plug!)
Have a think about how many times you are saying NO – is it often enough to achieve your health goals? In the end this is about control, who is control of your body, you? Or external forces like peer pressure and shame. This holiday season, take control and see the benefits in the year to come!
Rick Parcell • Master Trainer
