Sitting on the train writing this enroute to Manchester for another weekend of learning.
It struck me that the train and the track it follows are relentless, it keeps moving forward (well most of the time, except when there are leaves on the track) It follows the path without deviation.
Focused and direct.
It has a starting point, it has an end point, and maybe a few stations in between to pass through or perhaps stop at briefly.
Very similar to a weight loss journey don't you think?
You have your start point, where you are just now. To find your end point you NEED to know where you are going. This is why it's important to be really specific with your goal. Generalising will not give you that rapier like precision required. So for example, most folk come up with, I want to lose weight.
Not very specific is it?
How much weight do you want to lose, what will that weight consist of?
Lets try, I want to lose 28lbs of fat, straight away you have a target to zero in on. - that's the first part.
I'm due into Manchester at 14.10, so I know I can expect to be there at this time. I also know the stations enroute are vital to the completion of the journey.
Why am I telling you this?
Because for you to reach your goal you need to set a realistic time frame. Too short and you will set yourself up for a fall. Just like I can't expect to leave Glasgow and be in Manchester in 30mins, it's just not possible. Neither can you allow yourself too much time to reach your goal. You need that wee bit of pressure to keep you on the straight and narrow, otherwise you'll be thinking, I have all this time to get things done and reach my target, and lo and behold, you'll keep putting things off and procrastinating.
Now we have, " I want to lose 28 lbs of body fat in 12 weeks"
The stations along the way to the final destination can be likened to mini goals, which are an essential part of the trip. Something to keep your interest up, As the first mini goal you could have something like " I want to drop a dress size in a month", by week 6 I want to have lost 14 lbs for my best friends wedding.
Mega important to plan out your journey, know where you want to be and when you want to be there.
Buy your ticket, and pay the price. What sort of value do you attach to achieving your goal? What are you prepared to pay to reach your destination. Give up drinking on a Friday night even though all your friends are, ditch the chocolate, haul yourself out to Fitcamp in the morning even though its absolutely pissing down!
If you want to achieve badly enough you'll do what it takes.
Yes it will feel uncomfortable, it's meant to. Your doing something you're not in the habit of doing. That's where change is to be found.
After all if nothing changes then nothing changes right?
We all know that the trains in this country don't always run smoothly and may even on occasion have the odd delay or sit in a station a bit longer than expected.
You may find that similar things happen on route to where you want to be.
Something else to be aware of, is the saboteur.
Just like vandals wreaking havoc by throwing stones at a passing train, or putting concrete blocks on the track, you may come across the type of person that will attempt to ruin your efforts. The 'one won't hurt brigade'.
They try and 'feed' you, simple reason for this is that they are jealous that you are doing what they can't.
They can't derail you, if you keep your goal in mind. They have no respect for what you are doing so retain your focus, and politely decline their offer of 'just one'
At a time of change you need to surround yourself with people that support you 100%. Forget communicating with those that come out with, " I think you've lost enough weight, you look gaunt". This is really another way of saying "I look even fatter compared to you now". You just don't need to be around this type of person. Family or 'friend'.
Well, the train is pulling into Manchester Piccadilly now. I've reached the goal in this particular journey.
Stay strong, keep on track and let nothing stand in the way of reaching where you want to be...
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J._A._Allan
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