When interrogation is used on a prisoner, there are physical methods used to force a verbal response. This is a great analogy for internal bullying. We push ourselves to perform, submit, or act in a manner perceived as lacking. "If you were strong enough, you'd have more friends." Most of us do not use physical force, unless you slap your hand in self abuse, but many people do attempt to force behavior through harmful words.
You may be able to force yourself to change in small ways, but I find that this is highly ineffective for long term results. Who wants to be a prisoner to all this negative pressure? True long term change takes lowering expectations a degree and treating ourselves with rewards and consequences. If I call myself a "fat cow" I'm going to lower my motivation to eat my carrots for dinner. Alternatively, if I encouraged myself with "nothing tastes as good as skinny feels" I feel much more able to stick to my goal.
Today's challenge: Treat yourself to a positive and encouraging self statement and test out your level of motivation!
Good point. Find ways to "thoughtfully" encourage ourselves rather than degrading ourselves.
ReplyDeleteI like to think of it as treating ourselves how we want others to treat us. If there is a double standard than we are acting in a bully fashion.
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