The most important ingredient for success…

The most important ingredient for success is mindset.

I’m not just saying this. I can prove it.

There have been thousands of studies done and NOT ONCE has negative self talk/thinking improved anything. Unfortunately “Our brains are wired to scout for the bad stuff” and fixate on the threat, says psychologist and author Rick Hanson.

Because our brain is wired for survival it gives priority to negative thoughts. To protect us. Yet these same negative thoughts drastically limit our body strength and chances for success.

Sounds like a catch 22.

Let’s prove it. This is a little magic trick you can try at home. I give my colleague Tara a strength test: She holds her arm directly out. I try to push it down. I can’t. (Click HERE to watch the whole test)

I ask Tara to say “I feel weak,” 5 times.

I retest her strength.

I push her hand down with ease. The effect of even faux negativity is instant and measurable. Her thoughts made her physically weaker.

Try this at home. It is not rigged.

Then for fun she says “I’m strong,” five times.

I push her arm down. It doesn't move. Her thoughts have restored her strength.

I’m not a psychiatrist. I don’t have any bright ideas about how we push past negative thoughts save this one:

If you want to reach a goal, fitness or otherwise, you better believe that it’s gonna happen.

Remove all doubt.

Can’t remove the doubt? Fake it ‘til you make it.

Thoughts become things, confidence is king, Mindset matters, and in the words of Peter Pan ‘Think Happy thoughts and you’ll fly.’