So in one of the magazines I read recently, it said to give yourself motivation, imagine someone you admire doing something they are known for. It gave the example of using Jennifer Aniston to motivate yourself for working out, since she's a devout exercise enthusiast. Supposedly, you don't have to picture the person doing what you want to do, just using their motivation for their own passion is enough. I think. The blurb was longer than my attention span so I only got part of what it was saying.
But I figured I'd put it to use today, and I would tell you the results so you don't have to waste your time if it doesn't work. How's that for a great deal: I'll do the work, and you don't have to buy a bunch of magazines trying to find the paragraph I'm talking about.
So first thing this morning, I decided I would do more than my usual "mom" routine of shower, blow-dry, and dress. I woke up early enough (and the kids are still drugged up on Tylenol) to actually do something with my hair AND put on makeup. So to motivate myself, I imagined Angelina Jolie, and all her kids, and how great she always looks. We'll ignore the fact that she probably has at least three nannies (I'd say a minimum of six, but that's just because that is what I'd have) and her hair is long enough to pull into a pony tail and look fantastic in about 30 seconds.
So about 45 minutes later, I look nothing like Angelina Jolie, but I have make-up on and only two burns from the curling iron. And for myself, I look pretty good. Let's just say that if I had six nannies, Angie would be keeping a close eye on Brad.
Now for the clothes. My usual sweats aren't going to look good now, so I have to find jeans that fit and a cute top. Who can I imagine that I admire style-wise? I decide to be inspired by my girlfriend Sarah, who always looks great. I use her because she's also curvy and has lots of great ideas. So I go through my closet imagining Sarah by my side, throwing away the majority of my clothes. She's right: I need new clothes. Clothes that say "I embrace my curves" instead of "I refuse to admit I'm fat." Maybe someday my personal style maven will taking me shopping with her and help me. If I promise not to sit at her feet and fawn.
Anyway, I finally find something to wear. I look okay. I should probably say I look great, but after Sarah was here my self esteem took a bit of a hit. So it's time for breakfast. What I want is the rest of the box of powdered donuts my husband left. What I should have is something healthy. Hmmmm, honestly, I'm going back to Angie on this one. Because I see her as the type of mom who feeds her kids normal food, which means there are temptations in her house. She probably works out in the morning, right, so she'd have something workout friendly. I guess I'll have a smoothie. Of course, that means I have to go work out soon, or I'll lose all those benefits. Darn you, Angelina, why do you make my life so complicated?!
Complicated or not, I had my smoothie, then went in search of my workout clothes and shoes (so far the budget doesn't support the staff I desire nor deserve). Finding everything, I finally made it out the door and to the gym. YAY! This picturing someone I admire may work!
So I workout, come home, have sick kids, and do everything else boring that happens in a mom's life. About mid-afternoon I'm getting tired (I was up at 5:30 and worked out, after all!!) and, lo and behold, there is a box of ding dongs calling for me. Okay, I confess that before I could use my new trick, I ate one. What can I tell you? I was holding two sick boys and I was tired. Angie NEVER had this problem, I guarantee it! Anyway, I ate one. Only one. Because I did catch myself and think of my girlfriend Stephanie. She is one I admire for willpower. She can pass around a plate of brownies and not eat a crumb. Not one little piece. I live in awe of her. So I pictured Stephanie and put those chocolate pucks out of sight and out of mind. Thank you, Steph, I now know to think of you sooner.
Stephanie is also my go-to imagine person for grace under pressure and class in any situation, but that's another blog.
So there you go, a mini demonstration of using a person you admire for a boost of willpower. It appears to work if you can really see the person as a person, not just an icon. Like, in my mind I see Angelina's build and I think, she works for that body. She isn't just handed a skinny frame. I think I could like her, although her lips would be a bit distracting.
She may be a bit unnerved about the Brad comment, though.
No comments:
Post a Comment