Change Your Thinking To Manage Diabetes

Instead of dreading all the chores of managing diabetes, change your thinking and have a positive attitude. Try these tips for success.

I hear people all over town saying that this is the year they will: lose weight; eat better; get more exercise; get more sleep; watch less television and any number of other significant changes to their lives. In each instance it seems to be said with a deep breath as they prepare themselves for these difficult and unpleasant changes.

Not surprisingly, most people don’t meet their goals. Why? I suggest they don’t have enough positive reinforcement in place when things get difficult. When faced with my own challenges, I found ways to change my thinking. With a positive attitude, you can change your thinking to successfully manage your diabetes.

When things were difficult for me, I learned some strategies and a new way to look at things that lifted me up.

Last year was hard. Having my own business is very intimidating. I love being a diabetes specialist and registered dietitian nutritionist and  helping people. I do not like all of the “other” things that go into running a business.

Bookkeeping, advertising and all of those things that do not directly involve patient care are hard for me.

Day after day when I dreaded doing these chores, I found excuses to do something else. I went to the grocery store, I vacuumed the house, I visited the neighbors. I rationalized that I needed to do these things anyway, so I really wasn’t wasting time, right?

Deep down I felt terrible I wasn’t doing as well as I could. I was only mediocre and regretted not using my time to grow my business. This stress spilled over into other parts of my life and made me even less likely to perform those things I needed to make my business successful. I was frustrated and unhappy.

So what changed? Most simply, my attitude. A book called The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod dropped into my life at the perfect time. I realized I deserve to have a Level 10 Life. I’m capable of it if I am willing to commit and have unwavering faith. I realized that looking at something as a “chore” immediately rings a negative bell. I don’t do chores, I meet goals to reach the life of my dreams. Achieving goals breeds success, success brings joy. If I don’t meet my goals in a given day, but I’ve tried, I know I’ve made progress. If I have a setback, then I have had a learning experience. I focus on the positives and don’t quit.

I imagine by now you are thinking, “what does this have to do with managing my diabetes?“

Well, if you think that managing diabetes is hard, and doing the right things are chores, it will be harder to accomplish your goals. However, if you maintain a positive attitude and celebrate every positive change as a victory, you can slowly get to your goal of managing your diabetes and becoming a healthier, happier person.

Here are some other things that will help you change your thinking to successfully manage your diabetes:

• Get clear about what is important to you and what you are willing to commit to, and why it matters . Write your goals and read them every morning. You will have a clear vision to start your day. Your “why” will keep you motivated.
• Write down 3 things you need to do or be today to be the person you are becoming.
• Visualize yourself doing the things that will help you reach your goal.
• Take quiet time for yourself every day. Pray, meditate or simply breathe.
• Surround yourself with positive people and listen to encouraging words. Listening to audible books and podcasts while walking efficiently handles two daily goals at once.
• “Stinking thinking” will only hold you back. When you notice negative thoughts, accept them as words and let them go.
• Make a point to take note of your wins every day. Focus on what you did well and got done.
• Get help when you need it. Proper education combined with someone who helps hold you accountable can really move you to your goal line more quickly.

So stop thinking about stuff you “have to give up” to accomplish your goals. Instead, change your attitude and start piling up victories. You can do it!

Fortunately, there are people (like me!) who are here to help you meet YOUR health goals. If you want to know how a diabetes dietitian can help you with a personalized plan contact me.

If you are not sure what to eat when you have diabetes download How to Eat When You Have Diabetes….and still enjoy your favorite foods.