Don’t Fake It, Face It
You’ve heard the saying “fake it ‘til you make it”, but as with all parts of the SFD program, this is a little different. Facing it ‘til you make it is really about facing what it is you most want to ‘make’. Your journey along the fast track is all about designing the version of you that you most want to become. And you can move closer to your goals by challenging yourself to feel a little uncomfortable, because sometimes being ‘out of your comfort zone’ helps you to grow, despite yourself. (Keep reading. We’re not suggesting you bust out an ABBA dance at the local karaoke. Unless you really want to… and if so please take photos.) Speaking of which.
Progress Photos
In this age of selfies, it’s hard to take honest, straightforward shots of our most vulnerable, uncamouflaged selves. In fact: hands up if you have a pact with the girls that no-one is allowed to post your photo on Facebook without checking with you first? Then there’s the cropping, lighting, filtering and so on. No wonder some of us get a shock when we see the real us in the mirror each morning! (Raccoon-eyed, bed-haired woman is NOT likely to become the new profile pic.) But every time you do take an honest progress pic (sans raccoon eyes) you can see that you’re making progress. Concrete, visual, inarguable progress. Taking a progress photo isn’t only gutsy, it’s inspiring. And it’s all part of ‘facing’ and then ‘making’ the super version of you.
By making regular, honest and yes, courageous self-appraisals you can take real and important steps towards realising what you’re truly capable of and where you really want to be. And that’s halfway to getting there.
Supercharged Self Confidence
Another part of facing it ‘til you make it is being a little more outgoing than you’re used to. Now, if you’re a naturally shy person that whole concept may seem a little harsh and scary, but we don’t necessarily mean for you to go and give an address at the United Nations, we simply mean: be outgoing for you. Bring out your inner sparkle at whatever level you feel you can manage. Let people see the real, unique, magical, imperfect, wonderful person that you truly are. Why? Because the whole point of creating that super version of you is to be happy – and a big part of being happy is self-confidence. Granted, not everyone likes to be the life of the party, but if you find yourself constantly swallowing words or scared of judgement, then a little internal push or a nudge towards having a voice may leave you feeling just a bit more empowered each time.
Come Out Of Your Shell
As you lose weight and your confidence builds, you may start to realise how much it was holding you back in other ways. As you come out of that physical shell, you might find yourself shedding other layers too, like a beautiful butterfly emerging from a cocoon! This may be something you notice physically – as in no longer wearing bulky jumpers or jackets – and socially – as in no longer hiding in the corner, too scared to dance for fear of attracting scrutiny. Embrace the new inner you as well as the new outer you too. Because the truth is, she always deserved to be the dancing queen. But maybe now she’s starting to believe it.
Brave New You
As your confidence builds, you’ll find less need for masks, and for putting on a ‘brave face’, because you’ll actually start feeling braver and bolder. The courage you’ll find along your journey may inspire you to show off the brave new you more, and more often. Whether it’s a smile at your reflection instead of a scowl, a smile at a stranger for that matter, or a new lippy because that smile deserves a little decoration. And don’t be afraid to blow that woman in the glass a kiss. Because she so, totally deserves it!
Stay in the loop
Get weekly tips + recipes
Join the SuperFastDiet newsletter for practical fasting tips, motivation, and healthy meal ideas.