You Say Tomato, I Say Tomaaaato
pic credit to Karen's postI read a very interesting post by Karen (kclanderson) over at Before & After: A Real Life Story. This post was all about words & semantics & the words we use can influence us... maybe even influence if we "succeed" or not. In one part of her post, Karen writes:
Take, for example, this quote by Luciano Pavarotti: “People think I’m disciplined. It is not discipline. It is devotion. There is a great difference.” In thinking about difference between discipline and devotion, being devoted sounds so much more appealing (to me) than being disciplined. I am devoted to my health and to my body.
MizFit has written about this too with many words like playout, placation & most recently willingness vs. willpower. I don't mind saying I have willpower but to some, it is a negative in terms of motivating them. Willingness might work better. I have lots of willpower & don't mind saying that but it is my willingness to do the things I do that gets me where I want to go… so, there ya go!
Different words have different meanings & yes, reactions to each person. How we talk to ourselves, our self talk, can effect our actions for sure!
I wrote the below comment to Karen:
I think these word playings we have with ourselves is all about the way losing weight, finding a job or anything else works – you have to find what works for you & if defining it in a different way works for you, more power is what I say.
I don’t mind the word journey or lifestyle or willpower & some other things but that is just me.
I can see how devotion vs. discipline works for some. It takes the mind to a different place for many.
After I wrote this post, I read a post by Sable about should vs. shouldn't and her take on that so check that out. Another good read & makes you realize how words you say to yourself effect your progress or lack thereof.
So, I guess what I am saying is that do whatever it is you can to find those things that will work for you to achieve your goals & end results in whatever you do. Find the food & exercise program that works for you long term. Find that self-talk that will get you motivated & headed in the right direction. When it comes down to it, there are no "right answers" .. yes, there are things we all agree about & may disagree about BUT IT ALL COMES DOWN TO FINDING THOSE MOTIVATING FACTORS THAT KEEP YOU MOVING FORWARD & IN A POSITIVE DIRECTION.
What are "your motivating things or words"? Do some words turn you off like in Karen's or Sable's post? What self talk or words move you forward?
Categories: Motivation/Support, Life, Weight Loss, Awareness, Challenges, Inspirational Quotes, Inspiration, Life Experiences, Acceptance, Fitness
Tags: squats Squat Like a Lady Before and After words devotion discipline willingness willpower motivation awareness challenges choices defining you fitness inspiration inspirational quotes life experiences MizFit self talk Weight Loss
for me the words that motivate are simple:
YOUVE GOT THIS!!
thats my mantra in everything from fitness to family. from working to workouts.
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Carla - you do have it!
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I have to confess that I never thought about what exact words I use. Just keeping motivated and being positive seems to be big enough struggle for me. Interesting thing is that when I talk to friends I am definitely more careful about how I express my thoughts. Maybe I should consider what words I use when I talk to myself.
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Ewa, an interesting comment about how you express to friends vs. yourself! THX!
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Perhaps one can arrive at devotion through discipline, but it seems to me that being devoted to something comes from love and is in reality, quite easy, where discipline requires, well, discipline. However, if you can get it done, whatever you call "it" the rose is a rose.
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DR. J. - yup, as long as we get it done. That is the key!
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How funny that you chose that post title... I have a post drafted and ready to go that has that same expression in it! Totally different topic though.
I am way into semantics, but more in my writing than in my thinking.
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Karen, that is too funny! We do this alot, don't we!
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Hi Jody, LOVE this post! My mantra these days is "if you don't take a risk, you won't win". I'm trying hard to step out of my comfort zone!! Have a good Monday.
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Roz, love your mantra! I think I took that one on when I entered the Fila contest!
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You KNOW I love this post! =) I've never thought in terms of devotion vs discipline before but what a great point. I think the words we use even when self-talking are tremendously influential on us.
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Sable - our self talk does play tricks with us so we need to pay attention. I know I have to!
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my kids motivate me everyday! Life is competitive these days for them...my fav mantra is 'i'm every woman!'
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Sian, love that! YES YOU ARE!
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I agree! The language we use can serve as fuel for progress or fuel for frustration. It's up to us to identify and adjust as we go along.
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Cammy, great point & I agree too - adjust as we go along!
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Gotta Do It!!
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Patrick - you are doing it & we are cheering you on!
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I had a post full of wit and wonder...but the interwebs ate it.
I think for me it's a mix of both. The things I am devoted to...what really matter to me - those are easier to do...although sometimes equally as hard-work is work. Dedication and stubbornness take care of the rest, what I know I need to do. There are things that need to be done, and often, it's just a matter of starting and working and not stopping until it's finished...picking myself up after a rest and just keeping on until it's done.
My mum used to say "soon begun, soon done" and it's true. Often for me the hardest part is starting
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Geosomin - I so get those interwebs - happens way to much tome but I think I am the prob!
With all you do & your long day - I get your comment!
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