I am an avid reader of self-help and personal development books and material. Just the other day I shared a few of the books that are on my reading list this year. When it comes to my weight loss journey, I’m always reading, learning and studying. In addition to books, magazine and internet articles, blogs and podcasts are my go to places to study and get information to help myself.
While reading and learning continues to help me and motivate me on my journey, I have to say that one of the most overlooked sources of information and knowledge lies within myself! As my Pastor would say, listen, listen, listen. I’ve been at this weight loss thing for over 30 years. I’ve read it all. I’ve tried it all and truth be told I could write a book or two of my own on the topic. With all of the information out there it certainly keeps me informed and serves to educate me, but what I realize is that it can also stop me dead in my tracks and here’s why.
- In the weight loss world, one size does not fit all – everything out there is not for everybody – and not for ME
- Too much information overloads and splits my focus – I become easily distracted – not sticking to any one thing long enough to be effective or to see results
- Overwhelm sets in and I fall victim to analysis paralysis – confusion as to what to do which leads to me doing nothing
- 21 day this, 30 day that does not help me 60 days later
- So on and so on and so on
But when I stop long enough to learn and study myself I begin to tap into those few things that work for and motivate ME! And truthfully, the same holds true for you. For instance, I know that drinking shakes and lemon drink concoctions do not work me because they’ll leave me feeling empty, dissatisfied, and when it’s all said and done I will resort right back to my default.
I know that starting out with a bootcamp type of workout doesn’t work for me because it makes me feel weak and inadequate and embarrassed so after one or two sessions, I bolt.
Because I know myself. Because I’ve studied myself and I’ve learned what does and doesn’t work for me I am more than capable of designing my own program with my own rules (following certain guidelines of course), that I will stick to and get results from. For me those things are:
- Tracking – not necessarily calories or points but patterns and behaviors. Tracking brings awareness to my habits both good and bad
- Portion control – eating smaller amounts works for me. I understand this concept and can completely wrap my mind around it
- Staying hydrated by drinking more water
- Gentle, progressive movement – my body is at a point where I can’t just jump into stuff. One wrong move and it’s over. I’ve learned and accepted that I have to ease into working out.
These are my big rocks. These are the things that when I do them I see results and I begin to see them immediately. These fall under the 80/20 rule, which means that 80% of my results come from 20% of my effort. In a nutshell it’s about focusing small to get big results.
I will be talking more about this on Tuesday, January 19th during my webinar, entitled: The Power of ONE for Weight Loss Success. It’s free and will be packed with information to help you start, restart or breathe new life in your journey. I will be sharing:
- The reasons why you struggle to maintain momentum
- How to stay motivated for the long haul
- How to created small effective goals that will yield great big results
I hope you’ll join me on Tuesday, January 19th at 7:00 pm (EST). I guarantee you’ll be glad you did! Register here, and be sure to share it with a friend!
Your Turn To Share
What are some things you’ve learned about yourself from studying and learning your behavior patterns?
Kirsten Womack says
You are so on point with this. Looking forward to the 19th!
Kirsten Womack recently posted…Negative Self-Talk is Not Acceptable…Knock it Off
Stacey Strickler says
Thanks Kirsten! It’s true if we would just do what we already know to do and do the things that work for US, we wouldn’t struggle so much. Looking forward to the 19th as well. Thank you for your support