#35: Creating A Positive Mental Surplus

Most people know that to lose weight they need to create a calorie deficit. That is, more calories must be expended than are consumed. It is an easy concept to understand but one often difficult to put into practice.

But there are many dieting plans to help. The basic concept of these programss is to relate what foods can and can not be consumed.

But they do not spend much time talking about the mental side of fitness.

Our world is filled with negatives. It seems so rare to be on the receiving end of a positive comment that we frequently do not know how to react.

So what can we do to create a positive mental surplus?

We should constantly shower ourselves with positive affirmations. Not once in a while. Not daily. But constantly.

Here's one easy way to do this. Use index cards cut in half and on each one write a positive self-compliment.

"I CAN be successful."
"I AM a good person."
"I BELIEVE I will achieve."
"I WILL overcome."
"I AM a person others look to for guidance."
"I AM a person my boss can count on."
"I AM a good parent."
"I AM a good student."
"I DO MY JOB WELL."
"I AM a considerate person."
"I CARE about others."
"I HELP people in need.

You get the idea. Create an index card library of positive compliments and achievements and rubber band them together. Take them with you in your purse, briefcase, backpack and car. Add to them when you think of a new positive statement and when others compliment you about the way you look, the clothes you wear, how you handled a project, your well-mannered children and when you achieve anything.

Shuffle these cards and read them each morning, at least once during the day and again at night.

Also, if you have a tape recorder, record these positive affirmations. Continually add positive statements about yourself and play the tape when you're driving or when you relax during the day and at night.

Just as creating a calorie deficit results in weight loss, so creating a positive mental surplus will result in a more confident you.

The world gives us negative statements daily. But you don't have to listen to the naysayers and the "nattering nabobs of negativity" as former vice-president Spirow Agnew once called them.

Craft a new world for yourself. Not only one in which you have better physical health, but also one in which you positive mental health.

Begin adding to your positive mental surplus today.

You CAN do it.