It's
one thing to want to be physically fit, be able to wear your clothes
comfortably, and read a number on the bathroom scale you love—in effect, to
sculpt your body into the shape and size you want.
Certainly
the “end” is unambiguous and delightful to envision—we can picture how we look
in our mind’s eye. It is the “means” that trips us up. How do we become our
personal best at any age?
It’s
tempting to begin by adopting the latest fad diet or weight loss product to
only to be disappointed when willpower fades or the product is a bust. I took
that path for 40 years.
Although
I am admittedly a slow learner, I eventually succeeded beyond my wildest
dreams. What did I do differently?
I
changed my thinking. As a result of thinking differently, my behavior was
permanently altered.
I
mustered every ounce of emotional will available to me. In a quiet moment of
reflection, I connected with the “me” that functions as my inner witness. She
was excited to begin. Her eager response: "Yes! Let's do it. I’ve been
waiting. Now’s the time.”
I
had two nonnegotiable rules: Unless I was sick or injured, each day I would
exercise one hour and limit my caloric intake to 1,500-1,800 calories. I
adopted a “no matter what” attitude that applied from this moment forward.
To
keep that emotional will in place, I wrote down what I wanted to achieve and
made daily food journaling part of the accountability process. I carefully
wrote down and acknowledged my progress and setbacks.
Most
importantly, I went public with my commitment and sought support from family,
friends and experts, as needed.
I
worked with a physical therapist to rehabilitate a torn hamstring, I took some
instruction from a personal trainer and I attended tennis clinics. I also
checked in with my doctor frequently.
Even
so, my path wasn’t smooth. Breakdowns occurred. For every 10 steps forward, I
took 1 backward. Still, I learned to be compassionate when I lost ground.
Instead of berating myself, I reassured myself. I reminded myself that I was
human and that to be human is to be imperfect. Then I focused on the lessons I
could learn from the setbacks I endured and recommitted myself to my goals.
I
also learned how important it was to support others in reaching their fitness
goals hence my interest in writing this note to you—a friend I have yet to
meet. When I lend a hand to a traveler on the fitness path, I am repaid with a
deposit in my own emotional willpower bank. “To give is to receive” takes on
new meaning.
When
we are ready to reach for our dream, first we must summon the emotional will
and change how we think. Our goals must have a “no matter what” quality. We
must articulate our dream by writing down our goals. Finally, we must give and
receive help so that together we can experience the joy of becoming our
personal best.
What
about you? Does this resonate with you?
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