The concept of Re-Focusing caught my attention on the Weight Watcher’s website. I not only do that every day, but often ignore my intent. I have decided that I liked being 10lbs lighter than I am now. I like being leaner, stronger and lighter. All those things add up to needing to shed 10 lbs. I’ve been at it since January. Total weight loss=0.
I know from experience that I will be able to achieve my weight goal if I follow the PLAN!!! (I am saying that through gritted teeth.) It is a huge challenge to always be on duty and the results when you fall off the Plan can be such a big deal. For people with weight issues (what, like almost everyone), falling off plan and gaining a pound or two or, skipping exercise for a day, or giving into a temptation comes with a head full of self criticism, worry, fear, sorrow, and defeat. If a few pounds were simply just a few pounds, life would be so much lighter in general.
When I had success on Weight Watchers before (to the tune of 40lbs), I was a Model Weight Watchers Member. I focused and did not deviate from the plan at all. I was super determined. I only had to worry about myself. I didn’t let anything chip away at my determination to lose. I was patient, well planned, and persistent. I went to meetings, drank a lot of water, learned how to cook for success, went public with my goals, and exercised a lot. I did really well. Like I said, I was a model member. Now, I carry around the thought that I did it before so it should be easy to repeat. Easy because, I have only a 10lb goal, I exercise for a living, I go to meetings and even help out as a receptionist, I am very public with my goals and my body is the focus of my profession (personal training and Nia). So, why is it so hard? Why isn’t it just happening for me? Where did that determination go? I know how to do this.
One thing I need to do is stop living in my past success. It wasn’t easy to lose the weight. It required hard work and new habits and maximum awareness. I exercise so much that I have tricked myself into thinking that if I just sort of follow the plan; I will start to shed weight – bingo/bango. Well, “HELLO!” It doesn’t work that way. Sorta doing the plan doesn’t really work. It only sorta works.
So, I am re-focusing in public. That is something I know works for me. I will follow the plan. I will track my Points. I will drink all the water I set out to drink. I will journal. I will plan my daily food. I will pre-pare snack items so I am ready for life to get in the way. I will assess my eating and expectations. I will track my hunger. I will reverse my meals; bigger meals earlier in the day. I will be patient, well planned, and persistent.
Re-focus it is. More on how that goes in future posts.
How do you do it? Are you successful? Let’s hear what you do to stay on course.