To many, a workout might seem like a simple task, but it represented a battleground of insecurities and doubts for me. After years of feeling out of shape and struggling with self-image. I was finally taking this step when a voice whispered, “What if you can’t do it?”
Key notes
- Overcoming the fear of failure
- Learning the extreme of “all or nothing” thinking
- Developing a relationship with God, and finding a balance.
Overcoming the Fear of Failure
Every day, I heard a discouraging voice that made me hesitant to try. However, one day, I decided not to let it hold me back from pursuing a healthier lifestyle. I started exercising by jogging every other day for an hour, gradually increasing my pace. As a result, I lost 35 pounds from running alone.
Then I hit a plateau, which is a period where progress seems to stall despite previous advancements. The negative voice returned, urging me to “stop trying,” but I refused to let that discourage me. I began researching diet and nutrition to help jumpstart my weight loss. I focused on eating healthier, and I started losing weight again, but then I hit another plateau. Hitting another plateau led to eating less and less to continue to grow smaller and smaller. It led to “all or nothing” thinking.
“All OR Nothing” Thinking
All-or-nothing thinking is a cognitive distortion often seen in individuals with various eating disorders. This type of thinking can lead to extreme and rigid beliefs about food, body image, and health. After years of struggling with my relationship with food and “all or nothing” thinking, I was finally diagnosed with three eating disorders. Here are the three eating disorders where all-or-nothing thinking plays a significant role:
- Anorexia Nervosa: Individuals with anorexia often have a black-and-white perspective on their eating habits. They may view themselves as either “perfect” if they restrict their caloric intake or “a failure” if they eat anything outside their rigid dietary rules. This thinking can lead to an intense fear of gaining weight and an obsession with control over food.
- Bulimia Nervosa: Those with bulimia may swing between periods of binge eating and extreme restriction. All-or-nothing thinking can manifest in the belief that if they binge, they must purge to “reset” their eating habits. This can create a cycle of shame and guilt, reinforcing disordered behaviors, as they may think they are either completely successful in their diet or have completely failed.
- Binge Eating Disorder: In binge eating disorder, individuals may feel they are either strictly dieting or out of control. They may perceive themselves as entirely “good” or “bad” based on their eating choices. This mindset can contribute to cycles of overeating, as straying from their eating plan leads to feelings of failure, which then justify further binge episodes.
Finding a Balance by Leaning on God for Help
Addressing all-or-nothing thinking is crucial in therapy for these disorders, as it helps individuals develop a more balanced and flexible approach to their relationship with food and body image.
To truly find a balance, I found myself hearing another voice: ” Let me help you.” It was a voice that changed everything for me—the voice of God.
Leaning on God for help has been a transformative experience for me. During times of uncertainty and struggle, I learned to quiet my mind and listen for that guiding voice. It’s a reminder that I don’t have to face challenges alone. Trusting in God’s presence provides a sense of strength and reassurance, reminding me that there is a greater purpose behind the difficulties I encounter. Whether through prayer, meditation, or simply reflecting on my experiences, I’ve found that surrendering my worries and seeking divine support allows me to regain my balance and find peace.
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