Small goals and big goals are required to get us through. Having something to look forward to--something within our sight line is what we need to keep slugging through difficulties in day-to-day life.
In weight loss and self improvement, we don't necessarily start with clear goals. Sometimes, we start with reasons. We discussed the reasons--the "whys" last week. We don't like something negative, and we wish to get as far away from it as possible. That's all it takes to get started. To keep going, however, we have to discover our goals. These goals become our burning heart's desire waiting for us in the distant future. They are exactly what we need to stay focused and motivated to keep moving despite the obstacles that invariably come our way.
We can also set mini goals. These are attainable, reasonable and in the near future. Reaching these mini goals makes us feel successful. Success breeds more success. The ultimate goal becomes more reachable all the time because we break it into little pieces.
Some people have a hard time finding reasons why they should keep going--they are close to reaching their goals but not quite close enough. I then have to ask--if this place is not good enough--then what are the alternatives? Giving up? Re-evaluating the goal? It might be as obvious as refusing to go back to the dark side.
Life is hectic and busy. Taking care of yourself is demanding. There's a lot to do every day to promote good health and happiness, success at work and harmony in relationships. We can't do it all the time. A little bit of doing well on a regular basis will go a long way on the zig-zaggy path to self improvement.
I ask you--what have you done for yourself lately? What have you done that has gotten you outside your comfort zone? What have you discovered in your daily life that made you really happy or inspired? What can you do today to move your life to a more contented place?
A little reason why
and a little light
at the end of the tunnel
is all you need.
Monday, September 28, 2015
Monday, September 21, 2015
Why NOW?
When we have reasons, at our core, to make a change, then we have the single ingredient required to to get started. However, once those initial reasons are no longer at the center of our change, we need to discover new reasons.
One of my wonderful members this week shared a story about change. She said that it is like rowing a boat away from a shoreline that you don't like. You move away from the trouble, and you are much happier, but you are only in the middle of the lake now. At that point, you can stop, take stock of your progress, and then search for a new reason to keep you paddling all the way to the opposite shore. You explore what it will take to stay the course and reach your ultimate destination.
This explains part of the challenge in our journey of self improvement. We have to keep finding reasons to keep going. We have to identify those important "whys" that make the work of self improvement and fulfillment make sense. While you might be glad your pants are no longer strangling you (middle of the lake), you may not be happy to buy a pair of jeans (opposite side of lake).
Sometimes we need a new reason every day to stick with the program. Other times, we have a longer range reason (wedding, reunion) to keep focused. At the very least, if we reflect deeply on what matters the most, right now, we will discover the motivation to keep going.
Of course, getting to the opposite side of the lake, to the ultimate place we'd like to be is not the end of our journey. It is merely a new place to celebrate--an even greater achievement. It is also a place to discover new reasons and new "whys." They change over time because our lives change. That's a good thing. It keeps our journey fresh, exciting and moving.
Take a moment this week to discover what is motivating you right now. What is at the center of your heart's desire for a healthy, happy, fulfilling and active life? Let those important reasons motivate you to keep growing, to keep paddling, to keep going.
One of my wonderful members this week shared a story about change. She said that it is like rowing a boat away from a shoreline that you don't like. You move away from the trouble, and you are much happier, but you are only in the middle of the lake now. At that point, you can stop, take stock of your progress, and then search for a new reason to keep you paddling all the way to the opposite shore. You explore what it will take to stay the course and reach your ultimate destination.
This explains part of the challenge in our journey of self improvement. We have to keep finding reasons to keep going. We have to identify those important "whys" that make the work of self improvement and fulfillment make sense. While you might be glad your pants are no longer strangling you (middle of the lake), you may not be happy to buy a pair of jeans (opposite side of lake).
Sometimes we need a new reason every day to stick with the program. Other times, we have a longer range reason (wedding, reunion) to keep focused. At the very least, if we reflect deeply on what matters the most, right now, we will discover the motivation to keep going.
Of course, getting to the opposite side of the lake, to the ultimate place we'd like to be is not the end of our journey. It is merely a new place to celebrate--an even greater achievement. It is also a place to discover new reasons and new "whys." They change over time because our lives change. That's a good thing. It keeps our journey fresh, exciting and moving.
Take a moment this week to discover what is motivating you right now. What is at the center of your heart's desire for a healthy, happy, fulfilling and active life? Let those important reasons motivate you to keep growing, to keep paddling, to keep going.
Sunday, September 13, 2015
Seasons Change, and so Do We
Now that the fall temperatures are in the air, summer gives way to fall. We start doing different things--more inside than out. We cook differently and eat a bit differently. Honeycrisp apples and pumpkin flavors are coming. We wear more clothing and look for physical warmth when we encounter a chill.
We are now changing at Weight Watchers too, with the way we write our self improvement story. We are purposefully looking at multiple ways to measure progress, improvement and success. We want to notice the behavioral changes, the attitude adjustments, the effort we make in planning meals and packing snacks. Let's not forget fitness. We are now embracing our "success story book" to chronicle, catalog, plan and reflect on our self improvement lives, with a month at a glance instead of just a week at a time. The number at the scale still matters. Of course it does because it is the only objective measure we have, to see how things are going. However, that number only makes sense in the context of the other things going on in our lives--for better or worse.
This change really puts the work of weight loss in the context of a complex life full of ups and downs, challenges and triumphs and self improvement. In the circle of life, there is no end. In the journey of weight loss, there is no end either. We keep moving away from what we don't like and towards what we do. We never need to be stuck. We can always choose to keep moving.
Now is the time.
To embrace a change.
I can.
I will.
We are now changing at Weight Watchers too, with the way we write our self improvement story. We are purposefully looking at multiple ways to measure progress, improvement and success. We want to notice the behavioral changes, the attitude adjustments, the effort we make in planning meals and packing snacks. Let's not forget fitness. We are now embracing our "success story book" to chronicle, catalog, plan and reflect on our self improvement lives, with a month at a glance instead of just a week at a time. The number at the scale still matters. Of course it does because it is the only objective measure we have, to see how things are going. However, that number only makes sense in the context of the other things going on in our lives--for better or worse.
This change really puts the work of weight loss in the context of a complex life full of ups and downs, challenges and triumphs and self improvement. In the circle of life, there is no end. In the journey of weight loss, there is no end either. We keep moving away from what we don't like and towards what we do. We never need to be stuck. We can always choose to keep moving.
Now is the time.
To embrace a change.
I can.
I will.
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
Honesty with Yourself
Most of us consider ourselves to be honest people. We don't steal at the grocery store. We don't lie. We follow through on our commitments. What would the weight loss journey look like if we were just as honest with ourselves? We have over 200 choices to make every day about food. There is no doubt that we have behavioral changes to make. We have stress to manage. We have to step outside our comfort zone. Are we honest about our true intentions? Are we honest about tracking food and managing portions? Are we wishing for weight loss and self improvement, or are we working for it?
It's important to note, that there is a distinction between being honest with ourselves and being too hard on ourselves. Many mistakes will happen on a regular basis on this path of self improvement. It's just too easy to go awry. That's not the point, though. The point is that we are clear in our intentions and follow through in our actions. That is precisely where the "sweet spot" of self improvement lies.
It sounds so good. I wish it felt so easy. I know it is not. We are human beings not robots. That means that we have to forgive ourselves when we aren't doing what we'd like to be--and then learn from that--and move on quickly. There's no judgment and no criticism. It's simply a learning experience we can use to help us in the future. For example, if I go home too hungry after a trying day--then I don't make good food choices. I am better off stopping for a salad bar and then going home. (true story)
As the sun rises and sets, as the moments turn into hours and then into days--as the weeks become months and years, it is our life that is created. We all deserve to live the life we desire. We all deserve to be healthy and happy. We can choose this path. One moment at a time will deliver us to the next moment. And then--welcome to your happy, healthy life.
It's important to note, that there is a distinction between being honest with ourselves and being too hard on ourselves. Many mistakes will happen on a regular basis on this path of self improvement. It's just too easy to go awry. That's not the point, though. The point is that we are clear in our intentions and follow through in our actions. That is precisely where the "sweet spot" of self improvement lies.
It sounds so good. I wish it felt so easy. I know it is not. We are human beings not robots. That means that we have to forgive ourselves when we aren't doing what we'd like to be--and then learn from that--and move on quickly. There's no judgment and no criticism. It's simply a learning experience we can use to help us in the future. For example, if I go home too hungry after a trying day--then I don't make good food choices. I am better off stopping for a salad bar and then going home. (true story)
As the sun rises and sets, as the moments turn into hours and then into days--as the weeks become months and years, it is our life that is created. We all deserve to live the life we desire. We all deserve to be healthy and happy. We can choose this path. One moment at a time will deliver us to the next moment. And then--welcome to your happy, healthy life.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)