I’ve been thinking a lot about the similarities between dieting and selling your own work…and drinking since it’s the hot topic of the day.
You have to constantly deal with this…
Knock knock.
Who’s there?
It’s me. The voice in your head, Temptation. Temptation to quit your nonsense. Temptation to stop making life so hard for yourself. Just quit social media already and get on with your life. Stop trying so hard to sell your work. Stick to your day job.
For those who have tried to give up dieting and either tried intuitive eating or simply (or not so simply) not dieting, the same temptation voice comes along. Knock knock. Who’s there? Temptation. And I’m here to tell you that there’s this new diet that I think you’ll love. I think this is the one. Just give it a try. This one time. Pretty please?
Knock knock. Who’s there? Temptation. I know that you’re drinking a lot less these days, but I think it’s totally ok to let loose one day. Relax, have fun and stop being so uptight. I’m not saying everyday, just once in a while. No harm in that, right? You gotta live a little.
Temptation, also known as the “give up” voice. Temptation to give-up.
I’m not writing this post to offer solutions (except of course to join my Women Drink-less intuitively challenge if you wanna give mindful drinking a shot and also tap into your passions and desires). I will say that when we step out of our comfort zone we let this voice in. When we put ourselves on the line we let this voice in. When we attempt to change a habit we let this voice in. This voice preys on our insecurity. It’s opportunistic.
When I’ve coached clients, they’ll often refer to this temptation to return to dieting or controlling food (however that looks like for them). Because letting go of food and dieting rules through intuitive eating feels scary. For them, controlling food and pursuing weight loss feels familiar and safe.
When you cut back on drinking, this voice is pretty certainly guaranteed. The voice tries to lure you into being your old self, which exacerbates feeling uncomfortable and unsure of your decision to cut down.
Selling your work. Whether it’s a nutrition service, music, art or candles. Oh does the voice ever love this one.
Wise voice: Don’t attach emotion to the result.
But how am I supposed to do that if I’m an emotional being?
WV: True. But what stories are you telling yourself about your results that lead you to feel those emotions?
Ok good point. I’m definitely creative in my self-storytelling.
WV: Yes you are.
Temptation to give-up.
Wise voice: I know it feels hard to drink less wine. But, how many times have you heard someone say “I regret not drinking more last night”? That’s right. Never! Versus “I regret drinking last night. Should’ve drank less”.
You’re doing great! Keep going!
Your decision to quit dieting was the right one.
Your decision to quit/cut back on drinking was the right one.
Your decision to persevere selling the thing you are passionate about is the right one.
Don’t let Temptation let you think otherwise. Listen to your gut. You got this!