This is a term I recently came across.   Although it’s something we have all done or practiced, it now has a name.

Have you ever gone on a “diet” or “done a program” that after a commitment of a period of time you tell yourself “gosh, I’ve worked hard I’m going to have this such and such”.  Which is ok, IF it stops there.  Often it doesn’t just stop there and the next thing we know we’re off track.  Some do reach a point with experience and knowledge and awareness that licensing is short lived or even avoided.

Firstly let’s look once again what “diet” refers to; course of living or nourishment, what is eaten and drunk habitually, lifestyle.

It’s interesting to look at why “licensing” happens.  There is a mindset that surrounds “licensing” that we have been programmed.   The programming is that a “diet” is a period of deprivation, doing without and scarcity.  It is with this mindset that we feel we need to reward ourselves with the very thing that we are avoiding.  The reward should be focused on the way our wardrobe now fits, the money we’re saving not having to purchase new clothes, the better energy we have, the less aches n pains we experience, the quality of our sleep, the ability to better handle stress.

So how do we avoid this really self-sabotaging programming?

*focus on what’s working
*get out of “the fear”
*see value in who you are and what you have to offer your world
*daily gratitude; daily jot down three things that you are grateful for
*love yourself and recognize that TODAY you are THE best you that you have to offer
*find a accountability partner (or two) that will support you

There are also physical reasons as to why we may reach for choices that are out of line with our health goals.  These can be easily addressed, stopped or dealt with once recognized.

Every day is a new day, a new opportunity to do good.  Start today and do good for your health and self.