Hi friends! Today, I’m happy to bring you another episode of Primal Potential! Primal Potential is a podcast all about you — your ability to change is not defined by yesterday and doesn’t need to wait until tomorrow. Your transformation is now, no matter what stage you find yourself in life!
I’m incredibly excited to share with you my Saturday with Sarah episode! Today, we’re answering listeners’ most pressing questions and addressing some fun topics — from CBD oil to developing new habits!
The main topic that we focused on was the importance of asking ourselves the right questions to bring awareness in our lives. When we want to take action and make changes, we often ask questions that focus on the problem rather than address the solution. We ask ourselves, “Why can’t I change?” rather than “What can I do to initiate change in my life today?”. Frame the questions so that you develop a pattern of daily action.
Addressing the Root Cause of Your Stress
The first question a listener asked me involved my recent experiences with CBD oil. CBD stands for Cannabidiol, and people use it for various purposes — including relieving stress and reducing pain. Cannabidiol comes from hemp but does not contain Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). I talked about this on Episode 493 of Primal Potential, so check that out if you want to learn more!
I was trying out CBD oil for relaxation and stress reduction. I think that the CBD oil helped, but I found that using it didn’t address the root cause of my tension. I significantly improved once I addressed my gut dysbiosis, which means that I didn’t have an optimal bacterial composition. I found the primary way to target the issue was by prioritizing my gut microbiome, which is the collection of bacteria, viruses, and fungi in your intestines. If you want to learn about making changes to your gut health, then check out Primal Potential Episode 624!
When to Indulge
A listener asked an excellent question about what I indulge in and if it’s “worth it.” On the show, I’ve discussed how I’m always asking myself the question of whether something is “worth it” or not when I consume something that’s unhealthy — whether it be a decadent dessert or a spicy margarita.
A variety of factors determine whether or not the food or drink was “worth it” for me, but I find that one essential factor is how I’ve been taking care of myself. If I haven’t been doing a good job of taking care of myself, the indulgent treat will probably not be “worth it” because I want to feel great, and the treat will not help that.
This is especially true with sugary items because if you’re feeling down, the sugar will only make you feel worse. Sometimes I have been taking great care of myself, but I determine that the food isn’t “worth it” because I don’t want to interfere with my behavior.
Other times when I’ve taken great care of myself, I’ll determine that I really do want the treat, and indulge, which is entirely acceptable, so what is and isn’t “worth it” largely depends on my mood. Don’t refrain from occasionally indulging in what you think is “worth it,” but ultimately make sure that you’re taking great care of yourself!
Developing a Mindset of Consistent Effort
A listener asked me how to stay consistent with their mindset over time. To develop consistency over a long period, you need to focus on today. Every day, focus on being the best version of yourself, and you will develop the mindset of consistent effort.
A helpful tool that I use and teach in my 12 Weeks of Transformation is the identity journal. My journal prompts me to ask questions that involve taking action today like, “What am I going to do today to make progress towards my goals?” and “What is the best version of me, and how do I be that person today?” Focus on the actions that you can do today so that you develop a pattern of consistent action.
If you focus on what you can do today rather than what you can’t, you will develop a pattern of consistent action towards your goals. Don’t ask yourself, “Why can’t I lose weight?” Instead, ask yourself, “What can I do today to get healthier?” Develop the habit of focussing on what you can do today, and you will eventually develop long-term patterns.
If you’re having difficulty developing consistent effort, check out Primal Potential Episode 621! The episode is all about overcoming negative thought patterns that prevent consistent effort like, “I’ll start tomorrow” and “What’s the point? I don’t even care.” It’s essential to ask questions about how you can remove the obstacles that hinder you like, “What can I do today to stay motivated and work towards my plan?” Focus on how you can take action to stay motivated working towards your goals!
Rewiring Your Bad Habits and Developing Awareness
A listener asked how to change a lifetime’s worth of bad habits. Again, this all has to do with engaging in daily actions. Ask yourself what you can do today to begin to rewire yourself to overcome those bad habits. Frame your question to focus on how you can take action towards the solution rather than dwelling on the problem. Don’t ask, “Why am I in the bad habit of overeating?” but ask, “How can I eat healthy portions today?” You replace your lifetime of bad habits one day at a time through consistently developing healthy habits.
The questions that we ask ourselves bring awareness in our lives. When you ask yourself, “What am I going to do about this problem today?” you bring awareness to what you need to do to change your behavior.
Awareness is the number one pillar of all my work with my clients in my 12 Weeks of Transformation program because it is so essential for change. Become aware of what you can do every day to maintain consistent effort and replace bad habits.
In what areas of your life do you need to bring awareness? Maybe it’s a bad habit of not expanding your network. Bring awareness by asking yourself what it is that you can do today to build your network. You bring awareness to what you can do and rewire your bad habits. It’s as simple as that! You are completely capable of rewiring your bad habits to transform your life!
Break Free from “Analysis Paralysis”
Another helpful question that a listener asked dealt with overcoming ‘analysis paralysis’ — a catchy way of saying that you overanalyze without taking action.
Friends, it comes back to my central point of framing your questions daily to bring awareness to what you can do. Don’t just evaluate your fitness or business or whatever else you want to improve. Ask yourself, “What can I do today to get in better shape? What unhealthy foods do I need to reject today?” Or, in the case of your business, “How can I expand today?” Transforming your life is all about bringing awareness and taking daily action.
If you’re in this analysis paralysis mindset, frame your questions to exit the analysis stage and shift into action. Ask yourself, “What in my life do I want to improve, but I’m stuck in the analysis stage? What can I do today to act rather than think about acting?” Overcome those self-imposed barriers of thinking, planning, and delaying, and take action right now!
If you need further guidance on taking action, check out Primal Potential Episode 548! It’s all about introducing strategies in your life to get out of your own way of success.
I encourage you to get on the waitlist for our next 12 Weeks of Transformation! It will help you ask yourself the right questions so that you can be taking consistent action in your life! If you’re having trouble getting started or thinking that you could be doing more to bring awareness in your life, this course is definitely for you!
Join NowThe program consists of a more personal and structured approach to beat day-to-day obstacles so that you can become that amazing person that you’re capable of becoming! If you think this may be right for you, don’t hesitate to check out the 12 Weeks of Transformation.
Also, check out my free four-part Motivation Masterclass! It is an awesome course for developing the tools and strategies for success and is 100% free!
During these difficult times, I also recommend that you sign up for our daily mindset upgrades. I send out daily texts to encourage you to continue taking daily action!
If you want to connect on social media, follow me on Instagram (@Elizabethbenton) and Facebook (@Primalpotentialpodcast)!
Friends, ask yourselves the right questions and bring awareness to what you can do today. You CAN transform your life, but it takes one day at a time! Focus on being the best you today!
Elizabeth Benton
Questions Tackled In Today’s Episode:
Is there an update on EB’s experimentation with CBD? How is that going? Has she noticed any changes?
What does EB indulge in that IS worth it??
I don’t drink coffee, but can I do bulletproof hot tea?
What are good ways to keep a mindset focused on consistent effort over time?
How do I change a lifetime’s worth of habits?
How do I get control of my mindless eating so I can lose weight for good?
How do I break free from analysis paralysis?