Budgets and Bulges, Part 2

I wasn’t being completely honest when I said that I didn’t have a secret formula for weight loss. After researching, I think I finally came up with something. I searched many websites that promised that if you click just one more button, the secret will be revealed. I actually clicked the button, and then I had to click another button, and then finally I got to the page where they’re sure you’re hooked, and you’re ready to part with your hard-earned cash. That’s when I logged off.
Weight loss is a little like clicking lots of buttons. Or maybe like viewing lots of websites, or perusing a lot of weight-loss books. One thing that all these methods have in common, is that they are all a little bit right. But not a single one is the absolute answer. So you keep clicking buttons.

I hate to keep anyone in suspense (actually I do, but I thought that sounded good), but I am now ready to reveal the key, the magic button, the secret potion, the ultimate tip. Here it is: Y.O.U. YOU hold the key. You are the only person who knows the most about your body, your likes, your dislikes, your weak points (I like to refer to them as “areas of opportunity”), your strong points. You know what you like to eat, you know what you hate. You know how you like to exercise, or if you don’t. So take that self-knowledge and put it to work for you. Become a fitness expert on yourself.

As I mentioned in the last post, I didn’t know how to put a strategic spending plan together, so I went to someone who did. I had a strong enough motivation (long-term financial stability), and that was what compelled me to take action. It is the same with good health and weight loss—there needs to be a tangible reason to make a change—something that starts the process. I don’t believe anyone makes lasting changes in their life unless they have a good incentive. You may or may not seek the help of a health and fitness professional, who will assist you in your journey, but ultimately you are the one who succeeds or doesn’t (I don’t like to use the “f” word—it’s so negative).

To go back to the budget thing: if I had read countless books on wealth management, or had gone to workshops, or consulted financial gurus and spent thousands of dollars on their advice, and then gone back to my old habits, I’d be right back where I started. It’s the same with fitness. You can work with a personal trainer every day, or buy all these great diet and exercise books (last count on Amazon, I think there were in the neighborhood of a gazillion titles), but if you don’t DO it, you are still at square one. Excuse the example, but look at Oprah—she has every fitness and dietary professional in the world at her beck and call, and she still reverts to the old habits.

In the next post, we’ll get a little more specific on how to reach your goals. After all, I can’t expect you to read more than 1200 words in one post! You have work to do! Have a great day.