Psychologists Murray Millar and Karen Millar have shown through their research that people are more likely to change their behavior when they are working toward positive goals than when they’re frightened and attempting to move away from the negative. People who read statements saying that at some point they would eventually develop a serious disease were less able to think about taking positive steps than those who read statements about the importance of staying healthy to pursue important goals.
How can you apply the Millars’ findings in your own life? First, you can focus on encouraging rather discouraging yourself. Second, you can keep alive the vision of yourself as lean and healthy.
You can make your weight loss, exercise or any other self-improvement program an adventure of self-discovery. Plot your successes — and then enjoy the process of achieving your goals!