Monday, March 1, 2010

What is Your Weight Loss "Why"?

If you have read much of what I've written in past, been to one of my NMW Series or have my book, then you already know what I'm about to say. But it doesn't hurt to hear it again!


When it comes to losing weight, one of the first and most important things that will help you to be a success is identifying your Weight Loss Whys! What is a Weight Loss Why? Let me explain...


In order to make a necessary change, do something out of the ordinary or decide to redirect your course,  the first thing you want to know is the answer to this question, why should I


Why do you take an exit off of the interstate to head to a destination? Do you just randomly pick an exit to take? No! You take a specific exit because you know it will get you to your destination. You have a place to be and there is a reason that you are heading in that direction, a reason that you are going to arrive at that location. Are you going to a certain store to make a purchase? Are you going to visit a friend or relative? Whatever the reason, you know why you are going.


It isn't any different when it comes to losing weight. Why do you want to lose it? Why do you need to shed the extra pounds? Why is it important? These are your Weight Loss Whys! They can be for you or for others around you. For example: Do you have children? Do you want to be the best parent possible? Do you want to be able to keep up with them physically without tiring out? Do you want to live a long and healthy life so that one day you can enjoy your grandchildren? Are you married? Do you want to be? These are examples of why you would do it for someone else.


Let's look at some Whys for yourself: Do you want to feel better? Be able to accomplish more? Feel good about the way you look in your clothes? Wear a swimsuit without covering it in long t-shirts? Be able to go to a gym and not wonder what the skinny-minny next to you is thinking? (She probably isn't thinking anything but in your mind you can make up all kinds of things that she is judging you about!) Do you want to do backflips again, be a cheerleader, go water or snow skiing, ride in an airplane without an extension, tie your shoes, cross your legs? These are just a few examples of Weight Loss Whys


Now...take a moment and write down your own personal ones. Go ahead and do it right now – just jot down a few. You can always add more later (and trust me, you will!).


The next step is to have vision! The Word says in Habakkuk 2:2, 3, The Message version, 


And then God answered: "Write this. 

   Write what you see.

Write it out in big block letters 
   so that it can be read on the run.
This vision-message is a witness 
   pointing to what's coming.
It aches for the coming—it can hardly wait! 
   And it doesn't lie.
If it seems slow in coming, wait. 
   It's on its way. It will come right on time.

You must have vision! You must be able to see with your eye of faith exactly what you desire the end result to be. Then to assist in keeping it before you, do something so that it is "in big block letters so that it can be read on the run." 

Find specific scriptures that pertain to what you desire, and create a Vision Book or Vision Poster with photos cut out from magazines, catalogs, etc. of things you will accomplish as a result of reaching your goals! Have fun with it and "play kindergarten!"

Look at that Vision Book/Poster every day. Keep it someplace that can be seen "on the run", in a location that is not hidden from you, carry it with you, do whatever it takes to keep that vision alive!

Another important step is to set goals! Long-term and short-term. And be sure to set dates or milestones. For example, a long-term goal might be to drop 100 pounds within one year (by xx/xx/2011). Do not say you can not do that! That is a safe and effective rate of an average of two pounds per week, and is very attainable!  Why do you want to reach that goal? 

Then set short-term goals, baby steps or bite-sized goals. Be sure to set dates or milestones for each mini-goal. Let's say that you have a vacation coming up in two months. You can safely lose 15-20 lbs in that time frame. Or perhaps you would rather go by sizes. With approximately every 10 pound loss, it is equivalent to dropping one size (this is an average - many factors go into it). So let's say that you want to be a size ___ by your vacation and list the date. 


It is so very important to have a date attached to your goal. It gives you something set, concrete to shoot for. It also helps to overcome the challenges and temptations that await. To be able to say to yourself, "No, I will stick with my plan so I can feel better about myself on the beach in May" gives you the extra punch you need to push through.


Then last but not least...take ACTION! Do the things you know to do, and DO them! Faith without corresponding action is dead! So what actions will correspond with what you desire, believe you can achieve, see that is ahead in your future? Do them! DO is an action word!


If you aren't sure what to do and need additional help, just contact me. I will help!


Have a blessed day, have fun playing kindergarten and remember to always...
Let Your Light Shine,
Debbi

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