I'm the Tortoise

I think most everyone knows the story of the tortoise and the hare. Well, I'm the tortoise.

I am all about baby steps that eventually lead to winning the race--making small, sustainable, lifestyle changes that you can and will be able to continue for the rest of your life. Too much of anything is--well, too much. Too many changes all at once will lead to burnout. Too great a calorie restriction, too much exercise, depriving yourself of too much--all will eventually backfire and/or cause injury.

Getting out of shape didn't happen overnight. Do not expect to get in shape overnight either.

If you expect too much of yourself you will only be disappointed. Don't disappoint yourself. There are plenty of people out there who will do it for you. Instead develop a vision.

Baby Step: Vision

Picture a day, even if it's months down the road, where you are stronger, healthier, fit. Picture yourself having more energy, fitting into those favorite jeans, making choices that don't lead to regret--or, at least the majority of the time :). Picture definition in your muscles, moving with ease, feeling strong. It will happen, if you let it. Let it happen. Remember, you are the only one standing in your own way. Push your old self out to make room for the new.

Now that you have your vision you need to...

Baby Step: Make a commitment

To yourself! Outside accountability can be helpful, especially in the beginning of any lifestyle change, but that person will not always be there to answer to. The person you need to learn to depend on and commit to is yourself.

I believe that the majority of the battle with weight loss is emotional (I'll dedicate a post to this topic). It's challenging past habits and finding strategies to turn to when the going gets tough. The commitment isn't a short term one--it's a permanent commitment to value and care for yourself.

This commitment will help when you are faced with the inevitable...

Baby Step: Setbacks

You will face setbacks. They will happen. What is important is how you respond to them. You need to have a strategy to rebound and move forward. Look upon the slip as a one time event and be kind to yourself. If you have ice cream (or if you were me it would have been a double sundae with extra whipped cream) for lunch--just let it be that you had ice cream for lunch. Don't let it ruin the rest of your day. Start fresh. Look back at how much you have accomplished and how much you will accomplish in the future. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is not an all-or-nothing process. It's just that--maintaining. No one is perfect--don't expect yourself to be!

I will stop myself here. As anyone that knows me can attest--I talk...a lot! But I will control myself here and save some for next time.

Feel free to comment on what you've read and/or what you would like me to write about. Good or bad--I can take it--just keep it clean, my kids might read this :)

Be strong. Be fit. Be confident. Be your best.

And have a great day,

Joanne