Empowering shifts that lead you to feeling proud of yourself after your holiday event
1. Shift from All-or-Nothing Thinking to Flexibility
Old Thought: "If I can’t stick perfectly to my plan, I might as well not try."
New Thought: "I can choose one or two habits to focus on, even if the rest is messy."
Empowering Action: Pick 1-2 things to prioritize, like staying hydrated, getting in a morning walk, or eating a high protein meal in the morning. Celebrate doing what’s realistic instead of striving for perfection.
2. Shift from Reactive Eating to Intentional Choices
Old Thought: "I have no control around holiday food—it’s just too much."
New Thought: "I can enjoy the foods I love and eat in a way that feels good for my body."
Empowering Action: Pause before eating to ask, “What do I want, and how will it make me feel?” Continue checking in to ask yourself, “if I eat more, how will I feel?” Then make a choice aligned with your goals and your enjoyment.
3. Shift from Guilt to Gratitude for Movement
Old Thought: "I’ll never fit a workout into the holiday chaos, so why bother?"
New Thought: "Moving my body is a gift, and even 10 minutes makes a difference."
Empowering Action: Fit in small, intentional moments of movement—a stretch session, a family walk, or 20 minutes of strength training—and appreciate how it boosts your mood and energy.
4. Shift from Overcommitment to Boundaries
Old Thought: "I have to say yes to everything—it's the holidays! If I say no, I’m being rude."
New Thought: "Saying yes to everything is being rude to myself. I can protect my energy by saying yes to what matters and no to what doesn’t."
Empowering Action: Before committing to an event or task, ask, “Will this support my well-being, or will it drain me?” Give yourself permission to prioritize your needs. Before saying yes to an offered drink or treat, ask, “Will this add to my experience, do I really need this, or am I ok without it?”
5. Shift from Judgment to Self-Compassion
Old Thought: "I’ve already messed up my goals—what’s the point?"
New Thought: "Every experience is an opportunity to learn and cultivate my skills and every choice is a chance to move closer to how I want to feel."
Empowering Action: Instead of dwelling on what didn’t go as planned, ask, “What’s one thing I can do right now to feel proud?” Whether it’s drinking water, going for a walk, or getting extra rest, take one small step forward. Then you can reflect and ask yourself, “What can I learn from that experience so I can feel even better next time?”