When we’re about to start something new, it’s a good idea to focus on what we’ll get from it instead of just what we’ll have to give up. Technically, we won’t HAVE to give up anything, but we may make getting what we want more likely by CHOOSING to give up some other things. If we’re not careful, though, focusing on what we’re giving up can stop us in our tracks. So let’s look at what it’d be like to focus on what we’ll get instead.
I really became aware of this idea when I changed my diet last December. I went vegetarian for a few weeks and then changed to a vegan diet, i.e. no meat, fish, dairy, or eggs. That’s how most people would describe it–a focus on what I don’t have anymore.
In contrast, I like to think about all the yummy things I now enjoy freely:
- several delicious options at my local Indian buffet
- watermelon
- avacadoes
- sweet potatoes
- grilled vegetables like portabella mushrooms, yellow squash, red bell peppers, and asparagus
- my 5-ingredient black bean soup
So many of the yummy foods I enjoy now weren’t allowed on various diets I was on before. It took me a while to get over the voice in my head that said things like, “Whoa! You can’t have an apple–that’s way too many carbohydrates!” or “Those nuts have too much fat.”
It feels very different focusing on what I have now. Of course, I’m releasing weight which is certainly a benefit. But I don’t feel deprived when I think of the things I used to have and choose to not have anymore. In fact, I experienced a shift where eating meat is no longer even appealing to me. I didn’t expect that shift to happen–it just did.
So, you may be considering getting clear on the positive impact you want to make, but feeling some concerns around what you’ll need to give up to be able to make that happen.
Here are a few key questions for you to consider:
What are you afraid you’ll have to give up to achieve your goal?
What will you be gaining by achieving that goal??
Is it possible that when you get these new benefits that the old things you were valuing so highly won’t be so important to you anymore? Is it possible for you to experience a shift in that area?
In my experience, making a significant difference in the lives of other people has brought me a sense of peace and excitement. It certainly is a journey that’s very rewarding. I still have time for other things that are really important to me and I don’t feel like I’m missing out. You can check it out for yourself to see that it’s worthwhile to go for making that difference!
