|
Lettuce
Is Not Enough:
What You Need to
Succeed at Losing Weight
Consider this scenario.
On July 1, Jane and Jill both resolve to eat well and exercise
more. Jane makes her resolution with excitement, eagerness
and wholehearted anticipation or reaching her goal. Jill’s
resolution, on the other hand, is made with halfhearted
commitment and detachment.
When
she talks about the possibility of losing weight and living
a healthier life, Jane is passionate and exuberant,
while Jill responds to questions about her weight management
goals with only lukewarm interest.
On December 31, assuming
their attitudes don’t change during the year, which
of these two women is most likely to reach the weight loss
and management goals with only lukewarm interest?
Enthusiasm
is critical to the success of any endeavor,
but this is especially true in the area of weight loss and
management. Think about it. When we are feeling
down and out, that is when we are most likely to overeat
and least likely to exercise. Our passionate desire
to achieve a goal is what will drive us to get up at 5:00
am and exercise before going to work or to pass on a second
helping of scalloped potatoes.
Need help jumpstarting
your enthusiasm? The following is a list of things you can
do to act enthusiastic until you feel enthusiastic:
1.
Call the most enthusiastic person you know.
2. Rent an inspirational video like
“Rocky” or “Working Girl.”
3. Do something that makes
you break a sweat.
4. Stand in the mirror and shout the
word “yes” as loudly and passionately as
you can.
5. Buy a motivational tape or CD to play in
the car while driving.
6. Make a list of the benefits of reaching
your goals.
7. Organize a pep rally
with people on a mission similar to your own.
8. Spend time doing something you
absolutely love to do.
9. Talk the talk. Eliminate
negative speak from your vocabulary.
10. Get plenty of rest. It’s
hard to feel enthused, eager or exhilarated when you’re
tired.
|
Jackie
Stanley is an author, motivational speaker and weight loss coach. Her
work has been featured in Essence magazine and USA Today.