4 Powerful Mindset Prompts For Self-Discovery: Mind + Body + Movement
“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.”
—Aristotle
Let’s start with, “What is a mindset prompt?” Think of it as being similar to a journal prompt, or thought experiment. A mindset prompt is a question (or series of questions) that stimulates introspection and gets you thinking about something in a new way. You can think about it, talk about it, and/or write about it.
It is important to remember that when it comes to mindset prompts, it is okay to think about the answer and not necessarily take any further action beyond the thought experiment. That seed of curiosity you planted by thinking about it in the first place often organically grows into action, with zero pressure, and at your own pace.
One of the wonderful side effects of practicing body neutrality, is the ability to be even more present in your life. Once you start to believe that your body has nothing to do with your worth, it frees up so much mental space for other things: Friends, family, socializing, creative expression, hobbies, down time, etc.
The following four mindset prompts focus, in particular, on breaking free from diet culture and the way we have been conditioned to think about movement and our bodies:
If it was impossible for movement to be used to manipulate your body size and shape, would you be making different exercise choices? If so, what types of movement would you be choosing instead? And, what would it be like to honor those preferences now?
What are some experiences in the past that you would have been able to enjoy more if you weren’t preoccupied with your body? What are some experiences on the horizon that you would like to better be able to appreciate, with a body neutral mindset?
Have you ever looked back at old pictures of yourself and been confused as to why you were unhappy with your body at that time? This disconnect tells us that your mental and emotional relationship with your body influences what you see in the mirror. The work of healing your body image begins in the way you speak to yourself, especially about your body, and your worth.
Think about the different relationships in your life: With yourself, with co-workers, with friends, with family, with romantic partners. Pick a word from the group below and let that be the driving force behind your thoughts and actions throughout the rest of the week.
Confidence, Levity, Independence, Honesty, Celebration, Reliability, Compassion, Boundaries, Vulnerability, Appreciation, Receiving, Curiosity
Set yourself up for success when you decide to engage with one of these prompts. Choose a quiet, comfortable space, minimize distractions, and make sure you aren’t feeling rushed. Sometimes these types of prompts can bring up a lot of emotions, so be sure to be kind to yourself and reach out to a friend or family member for support if needed.
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If you are looking for more guidance and support in healing your body image, mindset coaching could be a great option for you.
