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Toddler Step #1: Our Attitude Means Everything
By Cindy | October 27, 2007
Table of contents for Toddler Steps
We went to the hair salon, and Asher did not want to get his hair cut. Luckily, Robin is wonderful with children. Asher loves going into the shop, but as for today, he didn’t want to have anything to do with the scissors or clippers. He whimpered and cried the whole time. With big tears, deep gulps of air, and tightly closed eyes, the little guy sat in the chair. His world was upside down. Two minutes after the ordeal, he was happily skipping around the salon and playing with toys. Toddlers have this amazing ability to shift mental gears. Despite the tears and the drama, they reset themselves to something positive. As adults, we tend to dwell on the negatives of our experiences and emotions for far too long. We are very hard on our selves and we allow those negative vibes to penetrate our environment and lifestyle. Our attitude means everything to be successful in our fitness and life journey. How can you develop a consistently positive attitude?
- Bounce Back: You will experience setbacks. The setbacks may be in your control or due to unforeseen circumstances. A toddler shifts focus throughout the day so quickly. They don’t dwell on the past. Take your minute or two to recoup and reset your attitude to positive thoughts.
- Promise Yourself: Write or memorize two to three inspirational positive sayings about yourself. Repeat them to yourself at least twice a day. When you experience a moment of negativity, repeat them immediately. Here are a couple of examples that I tell myself often: “I never give up.” “I am worthy.” “I can do anything.” “I control my destiny.”
- Visualize the Results: Visualization is a technique repeated over and over again by the experts because it works! This is something you can do anytime your hands are busy, but you’re free to mentally wander. Take your first couple of minutes to focus on yourself. I know this is hard, but it is essential to your success. Rather than think of the things you did wrong today, yesterday, this year or over the years, visualize the accomplishments of your goals. Visualize the workouts, the smaller dress or pants sizes, the smaller meals or healthier choices.
- Act Now: Instead of thinking about what you haven’t done, act. Block out the negativity by focusing on an activity that positively affects you. Walk around the block. Put a DVD on for the children and do some exercises that focus on you. If you feel better by working on a hobby, then take whatever time you have available and completely immerse yourself in the activity. Toddlers do it all the time. Yes, they don’t have the weight of the world on their shoulders, but they do know how to have fun. Play with them and let the giggles and laughter replace your thoughts.
Children have a positive attitude on just about everything. They have their moments, but that is all they are–moments. They quickly revert back to the positive and happy outlook on life. We have trained ourselves to over analyize and criticize ourselves, especially in our body image. Our mind is our biggest tool to change the way in which we approach fitness and health. By removing the negative mindset, the journey becomes an inspiration and success because you believe in yourself. Your positive attitude means everything to your success!
What do you say or do to be more positive? Your positive messages will be a great inspiration for all of us.
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Topics: Fitness Knowledge, Health Knowledge, Motivation |
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as the mom of a toddler, I can sooooo relate to this post! You are so right though…they have moments and then forget them. I’m going to keep that thought in my mind the next time I let something bother me.
As for keeping positive, I too try to remind myself that I’m worth it and to not worry about the small stuff. (like the fact that my house is a mess, beds are not made, etc.)
It’s okay. I’m afraid the realtor’s going to call and say she needs to show the house. I have to have at least a full day to really “clean it.” There are so many other great things to do!!! Way to be Positive. I hope all is well for you SoCal.