Excuses Begone! Part 10 of 12: Is It True?
October 8, 2009 by dr. lam
Too often we simply assume the excuse to be true. “I can’t afford it.” “I am too stupid.” “I do not have enough energy.” “I will always be fat because that is who I am.” Well, are these certitudes certain? Are you 100% certain that these excuses are real. Can there be an allowance that in fact you could afford it, that you can attain enough energy to do the task, that you are equipped mentally well enough to undertake the task, that in your nature you are actually thin? If you are not 100% certain that nothing will change, then you can allow for the chance that a new paradigm can replace the old one. We need to begin with the simple question, “Is it true?” When the obvious answer (or maybe not immediately obvious) is that it is not true, then we can begin to shed our old paradigm and see the veracity of a new paradigm. We can begin to allow the entry of a new paradigm with that one simple question that can compel us toward a new paradigm free of outdated excuses.
Perhaps my best paradigm shift this past year was that I enjoyed unhealthy food and now I don’t. I worked out a lot but still liked a big old fashioned hamburger. Now, it is not to say that I don’t like some fries every now and again (everything in moderation) but now I really truly have shifted my relationship with food. In the past, I would shove down whatever was in front of me without restraint. However, after going to France and eating slowly and focusing on healthier, greener foods my diet has radically changed. I relish fresh foods. As you know, I also read Michael Pollan’s books, The Omnivore’s Dilemma (an upcoming blog series) and In Defense of Food, that radically shifted my perspective on food. As I always say, the power of positive thinking is bunk. It must be a more fundamental change in our perceptions. We cannot sugar coat our feeling or perception. We must believe in its veracity. We must adopt a new paradigm. It all starts by questioning the truth of our last paradigm, or at least entering the possibility of a small chink in the armor. I never thought that I would not be drinking a diet coke every day or not enjoying fried food anymore. However, these items are way down on my list of things I even remotely enjoy. Today, fruits, vegetables, and healthier foods turn me on! Open your heart and mind to what outdated paradigms need to be discarded so that you can embrace a bright, shining new one!
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Again, I think that if passion is present that there will be no excuses and no need to be burdened with them, but great point in asking ourselves whether something we’ve been telling ourselves is true or not, because that can certainly stifle passion as well. Excellent point about changing our paradigms. The only way to truly change a behavior is to change the paradigm that it stems from, and that’s what I do with your blogs; I reconstruct my thinking. My biggest paradigm shift this year was going from a viewpoint that forcing things is the answer to problems, to not forcing and allowing. Big change for me and it was because of your blogs, Dr. Lam!!! Also, I’ve changed my idea of perfection, that “perfect” is not perfect and that there is no such thing, well and that not aiming for perfection was better.
That’s awesome that you’ve made that change in your diet, Dr. Lam, and your testimony there! Awesome!!
thanks heather! really appreciate the words of encouragement!