There are a series of tips, tricks, I dare say hacks (I really do not subscribe to the use of this term for tips, but it seems EVERYBODY else does, so whatever, but I digress) that I use to get motivated and in gear to get into shape.
I really want to compile this list of tips as there are a great many things that I do that I just take for granted and they really do help. But, you all need to let me know if that is something you would be interested in me sharing.
One of the very first things I do is figure out how to get my head in the game.
The body will do only what the mind will allow. Hey, that’s not it. What’s that phrase? Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve. – Napoleon Hill
We know Napoleon Hill, from Think and Grow Rich! I don’t know about you, but my Mom gave this to us to read when we were kids. Great book! Read it if you get the chance.
It is so easy to have false starts when trying to buckle down and lose weight. You know what I’m talking about. We are all gung ho the first week and then when reality sets in, and chocolate presents itself, we fall of the proverbial wagon.
It happens to the best of us. Really, it does. The thing is, the folks that succeed are the ones that don’t let these little setbacks define them.
You have to dust yourself off, pick yourself up and try again. I always say one meal at a time. That means that we can make a change within the short term and get ourselves back on track. Not next Sunday or Monday or next month I’ll start my diet again. NO! The very next meal is your next, best opportunity.
Here’s the thing. Nothing will happen until you make up your mind that you want it badly enough to do what it takes to achieve your goal. This is true for anything in life.
You have got to make the commitment first. I mean go ALL IN. Once you make that commitment, then you can work towards finding ways to honor it and yourself.
So what do I do to get the party started?
- Take a good look at myself (REALLY GOOD HONEST LOOK)
- Assess my relationship with food
- Start cleaning out the pantry, fridge & freezer
- Start swapping out the offensive foods for healthier choices
- COMMIT TO yourself, FOR yourself
- Tell the spouse, SO, close friends, family
These are a good start toward getting the brain engaged for the task at hand. It’s not easy to change our bad habits and lose weight. If we have to psych ourselves into it somehow, I say, the end justifies the means.
Chew on that, hah! a little while and let me know. . .is your mind prepared for the challenge?
Always,
MMM