“I need a treat”.

Have you ever said this to yourself?

After a long, stressful day.

Or when your boss has been a jerk.

Or an opportunity you were hoping for didn’t pan out.

Perhaps somebody said something to you that made you feel like crap.

Maybe nothing significant has happened at all.

You’re just sitting at home.

Watching a show.

Scrolling.

Whatever the reason, you need a treat.

Something sweet.

Something crunchy.

Something savory.

Something salty.

Have you ever taken a second to explore what’s going on there?

What’s the connection between what you’re experiencing and what you’re craving?

What is it about the situation that makes you want food?

You know it’s not hunger.

It’s something else.

What is it?

The next time you feel or think you “need a treat”, pause.

What purpose is this “treat” intended to serve?

To reward unappreciated efforts?

Distract from boredom or unpleasant emotions?

Bring excitement to an otherwise unfulfilling life?

Is “a treat” what you really need?

What you eat and why is never a reflection of your worth or your value.

If you’re looking to make changes to how you look, feel, and perform, however, this kind of introspection is invaluable.

This inner work isn’t as thrilling or exciting as joining a new bootcamp or starting a new diet.

It’s a hell of a lot harder, too.

Without it, though, you might never break out of the patterns keeping you from looking, feeling, and performing your best.

This process will take time.

It will take effort.

You will not nail it immediately.

If you keep showing up, though.

If you keep putting in the work.

You’ll move forward.

That’s all you need to do.

All you can do.

You’re worth that.

You’ve got this.