Day 20, Magic Thoughts

I think we’ve all done it, stared at someone who is slender and wondered how they do it. We have watched them wave away the appetizer or pass up on dessert while we just die inside. We think they have such great self-control and willpower. But, more than likely, there is NO will-power involved. Do you want to hear something crazy? The truth is, they really don’t want those things. 

Maybe they aren’t hungry or it just doesn’t “do it” for them. Seriously. To help you understand this, I need to give you a look inside my brain about sleep. 

I coach women all the time about getting enough rest and sleep and how sleep-deprivation will mess with our hormones making it very hard to follow through with healthy goals. (More on this on day 27). However, for me, getting enough sleep is easy. I am so excited when my bedtime rolls around and I rarely stay up late. The reason this is easy for me is something I like to call “Magic Thoughts''. These are thoughts I have about sleep that make self-control and will power unnecessary. My thoughts are, “I love sleep.” “I am so thankful it is time for bed.” “Thank God I get to start tomorrow well-rested.” “I am so successful and pleasant when I get my eight hours of sleep.” “I hate how I feel when I’m tired. Nothing is worth that.” With those thoughts, turning off the TV, brushing my teeth, and getting off Pinterest take no self-control. In my mind, it is a done deal. 

The same is true for naturally thin people or those who are considered active and healthy. They have “magic” thoughts about food such as, “I don’t like to feel full.” “I feel so great when I eat just enough.” “Sweets make me feel tired. I don’t like too many of them.” “I love working out. I love having all that energy.” 

You can have magic thoughts, too. Pretty much, you just think of a belief that is true and resonates with your goals. When the urge for that habit comes along, purposefully think that “Magic Thought” until the belief becomes ingrained in your brain. The Devil wants us to believe that we need that habit or that we are missing out when we don't’ have it. John 8:44, NIV, says: You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

Journal Prompt: What thought would make your habit seem undesirable? What thoughts do you believe about it now that make it difficult to follow through with your goal to take a break from this habit? Do you know someone who seems to avoid this habit naturally? What do you think they believe? 

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