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Once you write something down or see a picture of your goal, your brain starts to work on that goal without you even realizing it. You’ll notice people wearing the same swimsuit you want; you’ll see bike and walking paths that you didn’t notice before; you’ll see healthier menu items that you skipped over in the past. You’ll be drawn toward making the right decisions. Positive Pictures = Positive Progress Another way visual cues can help keep your motivation high is through the power of positive association. Seeing a positive stimulus increases the production of serotonin, which is responsible for feelings of well-being and satisfaction. Seeing that same cue often enough builds a pattern of positive response that creates momentum. Soon, the positive feeling will transfer to your goals as well. Dr. Daphne Stevens, a psychotherapist with 30 years’ experience working with weight control and fitness issues, says that this connection between picture and motivation only grows stronger as you achieve and see results. “Pardon the pun, but a sense of mastery ‘feeds’ on itself,” she says. “The satisfaction of doing positive things for the body substitutes for the quick-fix rush of sugar or simple carbs that put on the pounds.” So write your goals down right now, plaster that fridge with positive pictures, tape an inspiring message to your dashboard, do whatever it takes to surround yourself with visual cues. You’ll see success – both in your mind and in your life. |
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Motivation Articles › Staying MotivatedSeeing is AchievingPicture Weight Loss Success With Visual Cues-- By Mike Kramer, Staff WriterSparkPeople advertisers help keep the site free! Learn more
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Mike Kramer
As a writer and artist, Mike has witnessed countless motivational stories and techniques. See all of Mike's articles. |
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Member Comments
Positive visuals create a momentum for positive results.....
I am a believer ;) - 2/28/2011 11:31:50 AM
We also have some great pictures from a few years ago when he looked great. - 2/26/2011 12:27:06 AM
I kinda/sorta remember being that size (about 20 years ago) and it's true what the article says -- seeing that image in my mind's eye helps me to take the actions necessary to achieve the result that I want. - 2/24/2011 3:00:06 AM
Quote the article: "A picture of what you want (or don’t want) to look like"
Quote the article: "Positive pictures = positive progress"
A picture of what you (don't want) to look like is negative. This does not "surround yourself with the positive." - 2/23/2011 6:59:13 PM