[11/9/11] Wednesday Wellness: The "R" Word

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ra·tion·al·ize

[rash-uh-nl-ahyz, rash-nl-ahyz] verb, -ized, -iz·ing.

verb (used with object) 

-to ascribe (one's acts, opinions, etc.) to causes that superficially seem reasonable and valid but that actually are unrelated to the true, possibly unconscious and often less creditable or agreeable causes.

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When I used to work with clients, I'd have them track their rationalizations for a week.  The results were absolutely hilarious!  They often hadn't realized how often they rationalize their choices, or the creative rationalizations they used. I really wish I'd made copies of their worksheets.

It was an eye-opening experience for both of us.

Here are some common ones:

"I can eat this because I ran this morning."

"But those calories are healthy calories."

Or, it's companion:

"But those are healthy fats."

"But it's ________ (special day) and I deserve it."

"It won't hurt this once. I'll start over tomorrow."

"I'll just exercise 20 (or whatever) minutes today and exercise longer next time to make up for eating ______."

And my personal favorite (unfortunately, my most used):

"If I finish this bag of ________ (Dove Dark, Oreos, M&Ms, Reeses,...) then it will be gone."

Yeah. That's a good one.

The important thing to realize about rationalizations is that they are just that - rationalizations. They are a way to help us feel better about making choices we know aren't really the best ones for us.

What rationalizations do you use? Please share. :o)