We live in an age where input is all around us and it’s instant.
Social media, advertising, marketing strategies, the list goes on and on.
In the days of the newspaper and radio we needed to seek out this input however we now have more input than we could consume in a lifetime in our pocket.
As a result it is now easier than ever before to be exposed to input that is counterproductive and could potentially derail us from our goals and desires.
This could happen in all areas of life however lets specifically discuss health and fitness.
Facebook and Instagram started as a social platform however they have rapidly developed into a market place for a multitude of businesses and this is particularly true of the fitness industry.
If you become interested in health and fitness you may choose to start following some fitness identities online.
The social media algorithms built into all platforms identify that you are searching fitness related topics and then commence sending content your way. This is great and very helpful when you are on track and motivated however what happens on a day when you get out of bed feeling ‘fat’ and ‘negative’ – by the way this happens to everyone at some point in time!
In this instance your news feed can quickly become your enemy. All of a sudden you don’t want to see the butt of a size 6 model or the pecs and abs of a male physique competitor.
Very quickly positive input can become negative depending on your state of mind and level of internal stability.
So what do we do about it.
1) Be aware – input can be positive or negative simply by the way we feel and the experiences we are exposed to. This change can be instant!
2) You are in control – if what’s in your news feed no longer fits with your mindset, change it. Don’t allow external input to change or negatively affect your internal dialogue!
3) It’s a business – understand that your favourite fitness model is bearing all as part of their business; this is what pays their bills. If your lively hood depended on great photos of you in a swimsuit you would only post great pictures too!
In short take any input you can in order to build determination, motivation and courage to do what must be done. However understand that when you change so must your input in order to keep you on track and moving towards your goals!