We’re always encouraged to be positive. We’re chastised for being negative. But we contend that sometimes going negative can help your diet and fitness efforts. Behold a list of Negative Thoughts, Deeds, and Situations that can when added up could actually subtract pounds. (Math brain types just ignore that last sentence it’s bizarro for sure.)

Ten Ways to Use Negativity to Subtract Pounds

1. Affix a picture on the refrigerator door of you in that ill advised tankini.

2. Tuck the tag for your latest larger sized pair of Old Navy shorts in your wallet.

3.Listen to AC/DC on your headphones while running on the treadmill. AC/DC inspired aggression will help you intensify your workout!

4. Recall that time (unrelated to diet or exercise) someone told you ”you’ll never be able to do that.” Then remind yourself how you DID! Yeah successfully mail merging the spreadsheet with the labels is a victory. So there.

5. Imagine you have to carry your entire family from a burning building next time you’re on the treadmill. Disaster preparedness will encourage you to up the incline.

6. Think about Jillian from Biggest Loser. She’s all about negative motivation. She doesn’t pat people on the hand and say “It’s okay woobie woobie. You can stop. You’ve worked out enough.” Nope. She’s all “ARE YOU QUITTING –  NOBODY QUITS UNLESS THEY’RE BLEEDING” and some other junk. Pretend she’s judging  your efforts.

7. Remind yourself that although the annoying tiny young newbie at work says stuff like, “I just can’t seem to gain weight,” old age and hormones kick in for everyone. Sure you may be dead by the time the newbie has to diet but rest in peace knowing it will happen. Think Brittany Spears. She was a youngster in school uniform garb one day and a mother of two trying to lose the baby weight two minutes later. Happens to all of us. And we say WTG Brit for getting back in shape.

8. Imagine how great it will feel when that mean girl from high school or that ex-boyfriend sees you in a smaller size Old Navy shorts this summer. That’s right - Suck It Trebek.

9. Infirmity and death. A good motivator for not eating like an idiot and taking a walk around the block while you still can.

 10. Money. Yeah it doesn’t grow on trees. You can’t afford to buy a larger size hoodie when you’ve got every color of the rainbow in your closet right now.