Diet. Who loathes that word? Who's trying one out right now?
Well, you will be happy to know, I ain't here today to speak about diets...that much anyway haha. However, I read once that if you're trying to eat healthier, you shouldn't just "hide" food from yourself that you don't want to eat a lot of, or simply put it away in the cupboard so that you don't see it. The ol' "out of sight, out of mind" mentality. Rather, the person said you need to actually eliminate having options, as if eating the healthier thing is the only option you have. Now, I don't necessarily restrict myself when it comes to eating with the program I am on with my coach, and sometimes I do get into trouble with that. Because full transparency, I ain't here to be a "golden child," by any means. But, the whole "out of sight, out of mind" mentality does not work for me in this circumstance. It doesn't matter to me if something is in my house or not. If I want something, I will go out and get it. Then again, I don't have normal craving triggers like most people, and I'm willing to get in my car and go get whatever I do want.
(Stinkin' go-getter personality! Alright, I digress...that's not always a bad thing, even with this. That may be for another post though:)
The part about options proverbially smacked me in the face, though. Not when it comes to diets per se, but about the rest of life. How is that as some "food for thought?"
I've realized one thing that has changed about myself in life through my experiences and what stressors I have had to navigate through, and that is the way I attempt to make big decisions. As a younger person, I feel like I would think about it, but I was more of a straight shooter and jumped for it. If it sounded reasonably logical, I didn't hold back much. As I got older and started denying my own needs, I also started doubting, or second guessing myself in those decisions. This has led to listening or seeking more validation from others. Not to say it's a bad thing to get feedback from family and friends; however, they should always merely be a sounding board - Not the maker of your personal decisions. Resentment and bitterness robs too much of our precious time and energies anyway.
Yet, I must state this disclaimer: if you feel anyone is more than a sounding board, that is the way you are perceiving them. Even if their intention is to badger you into a way or what they think is the way, it's ultimately up to how you receive their feedback.
(But more on that for another day. Or if this is more a matter of validation, feel free to refer to that post for my thoughts there.)
Nevertheless, how does a diet really connect with decision making? The author of previously mentioned post, advised one should eliminate multiple options if there is a specific purpose in mind. If you are planning to eat clean and healthy 5 days a week for lunch, but you never prepare one, then you're leaving yourself open. If you're like me, time grows wings and flies by and you end up absolutely hangry an hour later. Next, you ask yourself, "What are my options?" And more times than not, we leave it to chance and it's not what we should have, but only what we want in the moment. Unfocused choices do not contribute to achieving focused goals. (Erinism!)
So, bringing it back to bigger more prioritized life decisions. If we are feeling stressed out and massively overwhelmed, we need to simplify the process. Stop ruminating and get out of your head about it. It's really not supposed to be this difficult, you're just letting it be. Yes, that hurts to read, but one of the fundamental "Erinisms" is "only with truth, can come progress."
Feel free to re-read those last couple of sentences again. I'll give you a moment.
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You're welcome 😁
In order to simplify the process, you need to seek clarity and may ask yourself questions such as these:
If your gut or natural instinct does not seem to make a quick definitive answer, do all of your choices have an apparent similar theme?
If so, can you determine the theme as to which choice either excites you or makes you feel would bring you the most growth?
We usually know what we want when we have more than one choice, but as humans we tend to be unsatisfied. Don't let fear of missing out, bully you into picking choices that aren't exactly what you want. If you really think about it, how many times have we wasted time, trips, moments, and money on things that weren't exactly what we wanted, all because we worried we'd miss out on something, or another chance. Pish-Posh! That's ridiculous thinking. If you have wonders about the other choices, then you can't attach yourself to "missing out" ideas. Rather, have no expectations at all. Then, it may turn out greater than we could've ever imagined! How lovely is that thought....
So to recap -
When working on making life or or even everyday decisions, we need to:
Have focus in what you want/need
Seek clarity and remove multiple choices
Don't be bullied by FOMO, they are your choices
Stop wasting time trying to fit in, going with everyone else or procrastinating. You're only hurting yourself in the end. Simplify the process, simplify life. It will take practice, but you can do this.
You got this.
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How are your decision making "skills" with everything in life right now? A little hazy, OK but need some tweaks, or running smooth as butter? Let's hear about em, feel free to share your expressions below.
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