When a drill sergeant barks out orders at a recruit they listen, and they execute ASAP. Their voices are loud and whatever phrase they use hits the mark immediately – nothing is sugar-coated and oh by the way – there is no such thing as political correctness. For me, certain phrases may get my attention faster than others (i.e., you’re lazy, you’re a loser, you’re a failure, do you want to be a fat slob for the rest of your life and die early, etc. These phrases resonate with me – which phrases will hit your hot button? Which ones will wake you up, perhaps get you upset and cause you to finally do something to improve your personal and professional life once and for all?  

Some challenges in your life will require a more positive and subtle approach. Positive phrases affirm what you want. They condition your mind. What do you want to become or what do you want to do? I used both positive and negative phrases to train my mind. A word of caution: don’t deceive yourself when using positive phrases. Negative and positive phrases are powerful ways to shift your thinking and begin moving you toward a more enviable you! Below are examples of some of the phrases that may work for you. 

Below are some phrases to help you train your mind to combat laziness: 

Excuse: I’m feeling lazy today – I’ll exercise tomorrow. 

Tell yourself repeatedly: 

• Each day I exercise the healthier I become and the more energetic I am. 
• I look pathetic – I wear clothes that hide my out-of-shape body – even in the dead of summer – how long do I want to keep doing this? 
• I look like s… 
• If I take today off, I’ll want to take tomorrow off – this cycle will NEVER stop-JUST GO DO IT. 

• I know it’s hard to exercise but just imagine what fun it will be to show off in a size 6 dress at my reunion (Visualize yourself in that dress, and how you’ll feel when you’re getting those looks of admiration).  
• If I don’t exercise today, I’ll look like millions of out of shape people (Visualize yourself and other overweight people in bathing suits). 
• I don’t want to be ashamed of my body and scared of putting on a bathing suit do I, I want to be proud of my body. 
• I’m going to die sooner than later because I am becoming obese. 
• I’m a woos – do I want to be one for the rest of my life? 

• If I take today off – then I’ll want to take 2 days off next week. I’ll get flabby – get off your lazy butt and do some sort of activity.  
• You’re a lazy fat slob. 
• PUSH YOURSELF – YOU LOSER! 

Use these phrases or create your own and train your mind!