Thought for the Day: Each day holds the gift of a new beginning.
Wholesome, chubby, pleasingly plump – no more euphemisms – I’m f-a-t. And I plan to stop accepting what is – and do something about it. What I learned about being successful in the sales profession can help me do just that. Those who make it in any worthwhile endeavor have 5 things in common:
They believe in the value of what they are doing This one’s a no-brainer. Anyone who resides on the planet Earth knows that losing excess weight is a good thing, a very good thing — for a multitude of reasons.
They are motivated — and the more emotional the reason – the better. If you have watched the reality show that helps obese people lose a tremendous amount of weight you have no doubt seen grown men sob because they want to live to walk young daughters down the aisle. Staying around for several more years has an emotional ring for me too. Plus announcing my plans in a public forum – yep, that’s motivating.
They see the end result before the fact. They can see, feel, taste success – and it’s powerfully sustaining. Ah yes, visualizing, as a done deal: having more energy, feeling healthy, oozing confidence, slipping into jeans – now that’s sustaining!
They believe they can do it Anything we accomplish that’s a stretch outside our comfort zone begins when that tiny voice in our heads whispers: I think I can do this. And a caring mentor, nurturing coach, or supportive spouse helps that voice become loud and strong.
They are disciplined Successful people don’t like to do the same things unsuccessful people don’t like to do; they just never lose sight of the goal. Discipline is essential when it comes to making any significant change. And those things that cause the most discomfort initially are the very things that move us forward. (I renewed my membership at the gym. If I’m not there at least 5 days a week I will picture myself flushing dollar bills down the john.)
My personal plan: I’m chucking the perfection goal created by the media — those youthful, skinny, enhanced, airbrushed images are not reality. I’m chucking that filthy four letter word diet. A friend once said that the only way the many diet books I accumulated would work is if I balanced them all on my head and walked around.
I’m replacing dieting with: making healthy choices, taking smaller potions, eating at regular intervals. Speaking of healthy choices, kudos to my holistic health coach, Paula Antonini (paula.antonini@gmail.com) This knowledgeable, caring, patient lady taught me what, how, and when to eat for optimal health — along with helping me identify my personal pitfalls.
One other comment regarding reaching any goal: It’s okay to slip and fall. It only spells failure if we don’t get up.
As always, dear readers, I welcome your thoughts and opinions — a few positive vibes would also be appreciated.
e-mail to a friend
Dear Friend,
There is something about the new year that speaks to many of us about new beginnings and change. Norm and I have just completed our first 5 days of a plan to slim down and get fit. My signs on the fridge and pantry say, “NOTHING TASTES AS GOOD AS BEING SLIM FEELS!” We feel better already. Not that we have lost a lot in 5 days, but from working a plan with goals that will not only help us look and feel better but give us more years of time together, family, fun, and creative work.
Francine, there is no doubt in my mind that you will reach your goal. After all…..you taught so many of us to begin with the end in mind and you can already see yourself there.