All of us have “Sticking Points” in some area(s) of our lives. These are things in our lives that we know are holding us back but we keep doing them anyway. This can be incredibly frustrating. Especially when it comes to being overweight.
It is depressing when you are trying to get dressed and you keep going in and out of your closet trying to find an outfit that does not make you look fat. Then, finally settling for that black one that is supposed to make you look thinner. But do you know what makes you look thinner? Being thinner. Or going shopping for clothes, that is no fun either. The clothes are not the styles you want, don’t make you look the way you want and the process is again depressing.
So, we all know that eating too much and eating the wrong food and drink and not exercising make us overweight, unhappy, unhealthy and depressed. So, why do we keep doing that stupid crap?
It really comes from our associations with pleasure and pain. These are our two great motivators.
When you were young maybe the foods you were given made you feel loved and secure. Ah, Grandmas’s biscuits, sausage and gravy and her many apple pies. What a great time that was. What memories… And when you were a young adult having drinks with your friends. Finally out on your own and feeling a sense of adventure and independence. Maybe falling in love. The hangovers didn’t last long and your metabolism was youthful and faster. You moved more and you were lean.
But these associations have formed habits over the years. Maybe in the past these associations used to be true and they served you. But now those same habits are having a destructive effect. Maybe it is more than your appearance and you are starting to develop lifestyle related risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, etc. And your energy levels are so low, you just feel out of gas. Maybe you are starting to take medications or multiple medications and the risk factors and health costs are stacking up.
If you are in pain, that is great! Pain is the most powerful motivator. We can use that to get you free.
These behaviors are like a string at first. But later they become like a rope. Then over the years, they become like a chain. Almost unbreakable without an effective strategy.
So, how do you break free?
We must first start by understanding and dissecting what the components of a habit are. A habit is formed when three overlapping elements come together.
- Knowledge
- Skill
- Desire
The first element is knowing what to do – knowledge. The second is developing the skill to repeatedly do it with success – skill. And lastly cultivating the desire to get leverage on yourself so you will have your “want to” – desire. You need this desire. (This is where the pain can be effective.)
Most bad outcomes come from a combinations of bad habits over time. This is absolutely is the case with being overweight or obese.
Why most people fail is they either don’t try (for various reasons, but not trying at all is the ultimate failure) or they put out a huge amount of energy like the Sun, trying to do everything at once. They focus on everything which is the definition of being unfocused.
Instead of dissipating your energy and power everywhere at the same time, a much better approach is to be focused like a powerful laser.
You need to gain the knowledge of the components for fat loss and focus on one maybe two components at a time until you master that habit. Until that habit becomes a part of your nature — who you are — a part of your DNA.
This can be done in as little as two weeks, as long as we stoke your desire and you get leverage on yourself. Then it is time to move on to the next one or two components and focus on those like a laser beam, while still keeping hold of your last habits that are now much easier and can be like an invisible part of your life, like brushing your teeth.
Some of these habits have been ingrained for years. It will take strategy to successfully uproot them and install new ones that will serve you. Habits that will not only make you leaner, but healthier and increase your performance.
It can be done! You can do it! And you can do it NOW!
If you haven’t already…go ahead and sign up for my free fat loss video e-course where I’ll coach you on the “Top 5” habits for lasting weight loss. Just enter your name and email in the box to the upper right of this post and it will be delivered to your inbox instantly…
I hope you were inspired by this post.
Remember, I am cheering for you and I’m always listening. Please be sure to leave me comment or ask any questions your might have below! I’d love to hear from you!
John
PS — Our next camp starts next Monday, August 20th — the 9 AM is almost sold out, but we do have a few spots remaining in all 3 camp times: 5:30 AM, 9:00 AM or 7:00 PM — CLICK HERE to register!
PPS — We still have 6 more spots open for the Natural Motion Running Clinic being held Saturday, August 18th at 8 AM. Click here for more details.
Great Article! I hope many will read it and grasp it and make some changes.
Hi Laura, Thank you for your comment. I am sure they will. I know deep down they know it’s true. The promise of the quick fix is very alluring but always ends in disappointment and with having to start all over. Or like Yogi Bear says, “It’s like deja vue all over again.”
Dear John,
I can’t tell you how much I appreciate what you do. Keep talking the talk. It takes some of us a very long time to internalize the message, for whatever reason. I have been playing old messages in my head, like that of my 8th grade gym teacher, Mrs.Hildinger, who told me, “You’d be really good at gymnastics if you weren’t so fat.” I’m 55 years old and that still sticks with me!!?? Many of us have similar stories.
Your ten habits are right on. Small changes yield big results, but results take time. I have been working very hard over the summer to improve my health, weight and fitness. I have changed many habits and don’t binge and self-medicate with food. I know that this will be a challenge for me for the rest of my life….no one reaches perfection and stays there without work!
I feel strong and powerful. I have been quietly attending boot camp and listening to your message…. I won’t be quiet any more!
You Rock! See you in October…. Karen
Hi Karen,
You are a Rock Star of Rock Stars! Wow, has it been so awesome to see your total metamorphosis. Like you said many of these messages, thinking patterns and habits have been in grained for a long time. But that does not mean that we are unable to break free. It can be done if we focus on one habit at a time. Great Job! What you have accomplished is no small feat. Binge eating and self medicating with food is a trap many of us find ourselves in if we are honest. It is awesome to see a great example like yours of how someone breaks free. It inspires us all. I love the new strong and powerful you! It looks good on you!
You know, before Roger Banister ran the four minute mile everyone thought is was impossible. But the next month the barrier was again shattered by John Landy, and in the following few years broken by almost a dozen more runners. Now, there are almost 900 men who have run a sub-4 minute mile, including a former high school student and a 40+ year-old man.
It is stories like yours Karen, that help others ladies shatter their limiting beliefs, have hope and gain the courage to try. I want to thank you for being so brave and sharing your story. I know that was hard for you. You are courageous! You are awesome and you are looking pretty fantabulous too!!!!