Motivation, Inspiration and Reciprocation

I just wanted to take a moment to thank all of my family, friends, colleagues and co-workers who are supporting me in my journey. In particular, I've received a lot of encouragement from Facebook friends in support of my weight loss and fitness efforts.

My goal is not only to improve myself but also make a difference in other people's lives, inspire them, and let them know they have the power to change.

I appreciate the folks who've read my blog & took the time to contact me and say they are being inspired. When we are promoters of positive energy and encourage others with our sincere and supportive comments we get back something much greater in return. I try to practice this in my daily life and be happy for others when they accomplish important milestones.

"Encourage others and share in the fortune of success."


..So three things happened this week to encourage me:

1) I ran into a guy at the gym who I see often in the free weight room. He's in great shape (and by that I mean he can lift 100 lb dumbbells with relative ease) ...and this guy is probably in his 50s.  He looked at me, smiled and tossed a compliment my way: "You're looking good."  I was pleasantly surprised. Just 3 words can really give someone a boost and make their day.

2) I stopped by Vitamin Barn to see if they carried a certain line of nutritional supplements. They didn't have what I wanted, but I explained to the owner why I was looking for them and what my goals were. She was so nice and supportive that she gave me an entire bag full of samples of the exact products I was in search of and even a few others. This way I could try them before buying in bulk. As we talked, I realized she had a wealth of information and knowledge that she was willing to share. As a result of our conversation, I'm going to switch the type of protein supplement and nutrition shake I use. The protein supplement she uses and recommends is a whey protein product whose label clearly states "no artificial sweeteners; made from hormone-free and antibiotic-free cows."  My products are either processed soy (not so good) as opposed to natural and non-GMO (or non genetically-modified) or whey protein that doesn't have the hormone/antibiotic free disclaimer.  She explained that 90% of the processed soy on the market is genetically-modified and they have estrogenic effects on women that are undesirable (causing reproductive issues  and a host of other problems). She actually validated what Jillian Michaels has mentioned previously in some of her books and podcasts...but that's a topic for another day. :)

3)  Finally, the response from my Facebook friends to my 20 lb. weight loss has been really great. Perhaps others can relate to how challenging this journey is.  I suppose the diet, weight loss, and fitness industry wouldn't be raking in billions of dollars if this were easy.

I'm grateful for the resources, knowledge,  and support and most of all thankful for the motivation to just keep going in spite of any obstacles and make this a lifestyle.

Mind Over Matter = Motivation

Dr. Ian Smith

Sometimes I chuckle to myself when I look at my bookshelf. I have quite the collection of books on dieting, nutrition, and exercise by various authors including: Bill Phillips,  Jillian Michaels, Bob Harper, Dr. Ian Smith, Dr. Pamela Peeke, and  Paul McKenna.  However, when it all boils down to it, they are all pretty much saying the same things -- in order to lose weight and be healthy you need to eat more of the right foods and less of the wrong foods and you need to move more (i.e., burn more calories than you consume).  That really is the oversimplified summary of all of these books. As it turns out, losing weight is not rocket science...but in the search to find that elusive answer to my weight loss woes I've amassed a collection of  fitness books.

Dr. Pamela Peeke

So I realized my issue was not knowledge. I, like many people, know what to do. I just don't always do what I know. For a lot of folks, motivation is a huge obstacle standing in the way of reaching their goals. There have been many times when I was lacking motivation and I couldn't articulate why...so I decided to highlight some things which helped me get back on track.

First, I firmly believe every significant change starts with your mind. If you conceive it and believe it, you can achieve it. The mind is a very powerful entity and if you don't focus and "train" your mind you probably won't see results.

Trainer Bob Harper

This includes eliminating the negative self-talk or ANTS (automated negative thoughts) which often times are subconscious and involuntary.  You may be surprised at the number of negative thoughts that enter your mind each day about yourself unless you pay special attention. These need to be replaced with positive affirmations...and sometimes we have other people in our lives who are thinking or communicating toxic thoughts and we need to distance ourselves in order to heal and make progress. It may sound silly but I write positive affirmations on 3x5 cards and post them around the house as reminders. It's amazing what effect positive thoughts have on your mind and your mood.

Second, reframe how you think about food.  Many people who are overweight are emotional or social eaters. They are self-medicating themselves with food - stuffing down their emotions, instead of expressing and dealing with them. Often there are painful issues in the past that need to be addressed or worked out in therapy.  Once you internalize that food is  simply  fuel for our bodies and not a reward or cure, you will be less likely to overeat or have those uncontrollable cravings.

Third,  realize the "power of now."  All we have is right now and the past has no power over us. No matter how many times you've tried and "failed" you can get back up and try again. Today is a new day. Today is the first day of the rest of your life.

Trainer Jillian Michaels

Finally, find something -- a goal, event or  person, that encourages you and gives you something to strive toward. Maybe you want to look good for a high school or college reunion or a vacation or cruise. Perhaps there's someone you admire who has lost as much weight as you want  to lose.  Cut that person's picture out and hang it in a strategic place where you will see it everyday as a visual reminder. I know for me I have a vacation coming up and a physique transformation contest which is providing extra incentive for me to stay on track with my fitness goals.

Weight loss is not easy. It takes time  and some effort....but it's all worth it. You're worth it!  If you "get your mind right" there's no limit to what you can do. It all comes down to your choices. You choose what you want, where you will go and how you will get there. Just be willing to further your journey a little bit more each day.