The other day, Downsizing Doc, did a post in which she said:
Why is this so hard. I really admire those that make a commitment, focus on their goal and stay on track ’til they reach their target. People like Sean, JackSh*t, Diane, Tony theAnti-Jared and Jen.I don’t know what its going to take for me to reach that level of commitment.
Steve and I both commented about the weight loss journey being one of decisions. Some of the people linked above are still on their journey, some have reached their goal but haven’t maintained for long yet, and some are longer term maintainers. But irregardless of where they are now, there was most likely a point where they said, “I’ve made a decision to change.” The time is now.
I can’t speak for the other folks, but for me, the desire to change had been in my heart and soul for a long, long time. The years I struggled with obesity were filled with desires to lose weight, decisions to join WW or try another program, and deep disappointment when I once again failed. So how did I manage to go from failing over and over again to finally succeeding in meeting my goals and staying there?
Making one decision wasn’t enough. It wasn’t enough to just say, “I’ve decided to lose weight,” because I had said those words thousands of times before to no avail. No amount of health risks, appearance flaws, or personal dissatisfaction had been enough to move me from “I’ve decided,” to “I do.”
But on that fateful day after my doctor’s appointment I made the same decision I had made before. “I’m going to lose weight.” And I did.
But what I did differently from before is probably one of the most important decisions I ever made for myself.
I decided:
- I wasn’t going to quit no matter how many bad decisions I made along the way.
- I was going to press forward irregardless of how I was feeling that day.
- I was not going to allow the fear of failure to stop me this time.
- I was going to get healthy and fit because I wanted to, not because other people were telling me to.
The decision to start again was accompanied by the decision to not quit. And because I’m human like everyone else, there were days when I fell apart. Days I didn’t want to eat only one serving of a food. Days I didn’t want to exercise. Days I hated life. And on those days I didn’t always make the “right” decision. But instead of quitting like I would have in the past, I made a new decision right then. I decided to keep going in spite of my set backs. I decided not to quit.
Our lives are filled with decisions all day long. What to wear, what car to drive, when to get up, who to call, where to eat, what to eat, when to brush our teeth, etc. So as I continued on the weight loss portion of my journey I learned that I just needed to keep making better and better decisions with regards to my food and exercise choices. I decided long ago to brush my teeth daily. Why couldn’t I learn to decide to make as healthy choices as I could? I realized that I could learn to do that, and I did.
And the more good decisions I made the easier it all became. Not “easy as pie” but not impossible either. One good decision begat another until the good decisions far outweighed the bad ones. The weight loss was steady and I reached my goal. And then the fun part began. The good decisions I had trained myself to make became good decisions I continued to make into maintenance. Not always perfectly of course – but right enough of the time to maintain for all these years.
So what’s your decision today? Diane
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1 of us is still sick (as of 10:30pm Monday night) – the other three are still fine.
I thought she was on the mend – but severe sore throat and headache and general aches came back last night (she Isn’t UP yet for me to know how she is today).
When I went to pick up her homework (Monday afternoon) – they had all kinds of extra tables set up by the office with PILES of go homework waiting to be picked up by parents.
All the kids have the same symptoms (temp, sore throat, headache – but VERY little – to NO – cough.)
we (supposedly) had one case confirmed. But they gave us NO details so I am not sure if that was a mom that had a positive flu test – or had a positive h1n1 test. And I don’t know what that kids symptoms were. So left sitting here wondering – do all the kids have it – and just have very mild cases – or do all the kids NOT have it. And does the positive kid actually have it or just have what everyone else has – ? No way to know.
I was planning to send her back to school – but now am NOT because if she doesn’t have it and it IS at school now – she WILL get it as she is just coming out of this other illness (and then she might get it HARD).
vickie´s last blog ..Fat Body Watching
glad you all are doing better – how bad of a cough did you all have?
vickie´s last blog ..Fat Body Watching
I’ve been sick with the flu since Sunday Night. General body aches, fever, cough. I can sympathize with and your children. I hope this runs it’s course today and I can go to work tomorrow. Although loss of appetite has been part of this too, I haven’t lost hardly any weight.
Barry Hughes´s last blog ..Being Sick Doesn’t Equal Weight Loss
@Vickie – We did not have a bad cough at all. In fact the cough didn’t really show up until after the worst of the fever. Now it’s almost gone in some kids, still lingering in others. I hope your child feels better soon. I’d keep her home too.
@Barry – I hope you feel better soon. Your weight loss will pick back up once you are hydrated properly and moving around again!
A throw away comment my husband made quite a while ago, about when I started along the weight loss journey, came to mind as soon as I read your post.
He said to me “you never quit, and I’ve never known you fail at anything”! I was pretty fat when we met, and he’d never seen me go through the process of losing weight then failing when I fell back into my bad old habits, so had utter faith that I would do it and, what’s more, keep off the weight.
His faith helped me a huge amount (although I didn’t recognise or believe it at the time) and it must have penetrated deep down into me where I really did begin to believe it. So, despite periods of uncertainty when I’ve lost motivation, I’ve picked up where I left off and haven’t quit.
That’s a good decision, and is still my decision for today (also decided to get out in the fresh air and walk, walk, walk at lunch break!).
Deniz´s last blog ..A very positive weekend
My decisions for beginning this weight loss journey were almost identical to yours! I think I lose sight of those original decisions and goals that I made since this has been a long journey, so thank you for the reminder. I need to bring those thoughts back to the forefront and make my goal weight a priority! That’s my decision for today!
@Deniz – That is a great decision! I love how he was so positive about your commitment to follow through and how that helped you succeed!
@Marisa – Great decision! You are so close to your goal and looking great.
I need to print this out and share with my work WW group who are on week 3 of their journey.
Right now my decision is to firm up now that the weight is gone. Jillian is kicking my butt into shape though.
Melissa´s last blog ..Ahhhh….a new week
It’s funny, but I have never though of weight loss as a decision, but rather something that must be done. And if it must be done, it gets done. Sometimes the work goes by slowly, you reach points where it is more challenging, but you do it. It gets done. It seems I got that pattern in my head when I was very little , on family trips when my father would get us to take yet another adventure like riding the rapids, backpacking or canoeing. Often we came to ploints that were hard or frightening, and he would always say just do it and think about it when it is done. I keep finding that applies to so many things in my life !
Hope you are all feeling better this day !
Diane´s last blog ..Monday brings movement
you love me because Im always honest.
TODAY? BLOG LESS. MOVE MORE. SPEND MORE TIME WITH FRIENDS. WORK ON OTHER PROJECTS. MOVE MOVE MOVE MORE.
Miz´s last blog ..Viewer mail: pushups & tricep strength.
@Melissa – If you do print it out I hope they like it! And it is important to keep toning/firming even after you’ve lose the weight. Wonderful.
@Diane – Nice analogy and great explanation. I guess if you know it must be done then you’ve decided to do it – even subconsciously. It sounds like you had an exciting childhood full of adventures.
@Miz – Love ya regardless! Great decisions. I’m going to follow your lead!
My decision for the day is like MizFit…I’m going to do “non scheduled” exercise today in addition to my workouts. I’ve been spending too much time on the computer and not enough time moving.
The little things do matter. Thanks for the reminder!
Joanna Sutter´s last blog ..Grounds to celebrate
I like this a lot – because every time I eat something i immmediately wish I hadn’t I’ve made a decision in the opposite direction from where I want to go. I often wonder why I do this.
Decisions every time are so important. Thanks again.
Decisions are sometimes underrated. Will I or won’t I. Who cares? But if I keep messing up and making poor decisions then everyone around me will care. Especially me because I’ll be unhappy with myself.
@Joanna – Me too. I’m going to try and do something fun – especially now that most of my kids are feeling better.
@Monica – Decisions are important. Don’t beat yourself up over past decisions – every minute gives you an opportunity for more.
@Sara – Yes, good point. But like I told Monica – every day is a new opportunity to make great choices!
My decision today is to do everything possible to get me to the 170’s. My next mini goal, thanks to you, is 174 (you don’t know how much that appeals to me). Irregardless
of all the temptations in my life, I will get to the 170’s again!
Amy H.´s last blog ..Melon Brains
Great post Diane! I think a person just needs to learn to forgive themselves more. Yes, we may :fall off” but the key is to get right back on. Also, it takes time so be patient & flow with it and yes, never give up!
Some days I feel like throwing in the towel, especially now with hormones fighting me more & more BUT I just keep trying…pushing forward. That is my decision for today as I am going thru another “body change cycle” and my mind wants me to quit because it is so frustrating when you are doing everything right BUT, I WILL NOT QUIT! I keep working to find ways to fight this!
I made the decision to lose weight again, and at first the results were very little, and it seemed like it was going extremely slow. I’d lose some weight, and then the weight wasn’t going fast enough. And that’s when I would get a little frustrated. Since June I have lost 30 lbs, and there are still some days, that even that doesn’t seem like an accomplishment. But I know that I have to keep going. The “highs” are too good to not keep going. Dealing with the lows though, are sometimes hard, frustrating, but I know they will make me a better person in the long run.
Great post! Yes, I did make a decision to finally change things when I got tired of my old tired self, but I have also made so many decision since then. In fact, every day we make decisions that can be healthy or not so healthy. And one bad decision doesn’t “ruin” it all… It’s important that we can make healthy choices the next time…
My decisions today:
1. Don’t get overwhelmed by all the papers that have to be graded and the prep work. Prioritize what has to be done, and do one thing at a time.
2. Make time for healthy food and snacks.
3. Don’t drink too much coffee.
4. Workout for at least 30 minutes.
@Amy H – Ah – I’m glad you liked that 5 pound thing. For some reason it really helped me stay motivated.
@Jody – Your body may be giving you fits but your mind is right on! As always, great comment.
@Lori – Great job on that weight loss and all you have accomplished. The highs really are good enough for me too!
@Andrea – You are right, one bad decision doesn’t ruin anything, but rather gives you a chance to make a good one right away. Great decisions Andrea!
The day I decided to lose the weight after trying so many times over the 5 years was a normal day, in the past my decision to lose weight was always out of emotions…I looked at myself – got a fright and became emotional, then decided on a crash diet…
On this day, it all happened in my head…nothing upset me, I just knew that I needed to lose weight and more than that I wanted to lose the weight…
I joined Weight Watchers and have never looked back…never once did I fall off the wagon, never once did I have a week where I gained…I wanted this more than anything in the world and I did everything that was needed. I never cheated once, had a bad day…mentally I had decided it was now or never.
Now I’m maintaining and everyday I make a committement to the process….with every new day comes new committment.
Marcelle´s last blog ..Sufer Dude And Dad At Bath Time
@Marcelle – It sounds like you just turned around and faced in the direction you wanted to go. And never looked back. Wonderful!
You make it sound so simple and I know it is, I just make that simple decision so HARD. It’s just making good decisions instead of bad ones. Thank you for that, it’s nice when things are put so simply and a light goes off in your head.
@Robin – I didn’t really mean to make it sound simple, because although on the surface it can be, in reality it’s a complex set of emotions that we need to go through to really decide to change. It took me a lot of wrong turns and unfortunate choices before I finally did it.
Hi Diane – this was a great post! You hit the nail on the head, the key to it all is making the best decisions (most of the time). I had to decide what was more important to me. I’d love to be able to eat whatever I wanted all day long. AND I want to be thin and healthy. But I can’t have both. If I ate poorly, I’d feel bloated and sluggish, and I’d gain weight. So what do I want more? I try to make most of my food decisions so that they support the choice I’ve made…
Janet´s last blog ..Day 155 – My Calorie Intake
Everything is hard!! It’s just with being healthy and fit, the rewards of all the hard work becomes worth it. Success feels a lot better than failure
Very insightful post, Diane. For me, it’s making the decision AHEAD OF TIME instead of in the moment. Deciding NOT to have fast food so that when the urge comes it’s not even something to consider because I’ve already decided. For me, it’s making a bunch of little decisions that help me stay committed to the BIG one.
Josie´s last blog ..Week 3 – Weigh-In
@Janet – Don’t we wish we could have both? Thin and eat whatever. But like you said, it’s impossible. And you decided which was more important and you succeeded!
@Dr. J – the rewards are definitely worth it!
@Josie – Great point about deciding ahead of time what you will do in certain situations.
My decision is to not quit and to get back on track. I’m struggling a little bit right now, but I know I can’t and won’t quit. I just need to get back on track.
Your post today was right on time. Thanks!
Leah´s last blog ..Staying Focused
Today I decided to eat less at dinner, not snack at night, eat less when baking and MOVE more. It’s simple. It’s not guilt ridden. There’s NOTHING better than sore hamstrings..let em tell ya!
~M
I am posting something very similar to this tomorrow, (how funny!) I have to say, though the journey was so freakin hard, it was and is SO worth it in so many ways. The things you learn about yourself when you actually refuse to give up, ISN’T THAT AMAZING??? It’s empowering. That’s what helped me decide every time I needed to make a decision. What was worth it, the cake or my future?
christieo´s last blog ..Things in My Head Today
@Leah – I love that decision. Because if you go the other way, you will probably not be happy with yourself. Stay strong!
@Michelle – No guilt! I love it.
@christieo – It was definitely worth it. Cake – no. My future health – yes. I love how strong you are!
I SO agree! Weight loss for me was all about making little decisions along the way. We’ve all heard it before, it’s often those little decisions that add up to one big one.
My desicion today is to “go with the flow.” Sounds easy, but I’m a pretty rigid person. I need to open up and let things happen more often, rather than trying to fight all the little disruptions in my day!
Susan´s last blog ..I’m not dead! Just dyed.
Once again you’ve echoed my brain on this subject – once I decided, really decided, that losing weight and regaining vitality and health was the only path for me, all the sudden I could ‘do’ this when I never could before. I don’t stick to a plan as rigid as some I admire, I do what works for me, but regardless of the plan the common thread among all the successful losers I can think of is an ironclad commitment to NOT quitting. Fall five times, get up six, you know?
Weight loss is ONLY a series of choices, I am finding, and those choices cascade into more choices, and easier choices. I am so grateful for that forward momentum on days when I don’t want to stick with it, it saves me from myself some days. And those healthy habits that were so hard to make at first? These days I couldn’t imagine going back to how I was. THIS is my new normal, these are the choices I am committed to making, and however long it takes me I WILL get to a higher level of fitness and a healthy weight. And that’s that!
Taryl´s last blog ..Strange Week.
This entire journey is all about decisions, but if were only that simple. The struggles that come along, sure, there are decisions to be made there too, like whether to succumb to the feelings of defeat or push forward. That decision was made for me the minute this journey started. I never once felt the answer was to give up, but the question is how long will I let the down moments control my thoughts and desires? I have yet to learn the answer to that one, but boy…I sure wish I had one for that, especially right now.
Pam´s last blog ..Seasons and Attitudes Change
@Susan – I have to work at that too. I tend to be an all or nothing, totally focused person. Letting go of things is hard for me!
@Taryl – The new normal for you sounds very healthy, balanced, and rewarding. Your commitment is impressive, and I love how you really did what works for you and stuck with it!!
@Pam – I wish I had the answer for you Pam. You have a perfect grasp on the decisions required for success. Even when you are feeling down, just making small positive decisions will help you until you turn the corner in your mind. Don’t give up – that’s one decision that won’t help you at all!
I am better at sticking to little decisions than big decisions . . . this is something I am learning. It surprised me to find this out, because I love making BIG decisions. It’s just that I don’t have a strong history of sticking with them. Whereas my less extreme decisions, which are still healthy although not perfectly healthy, are starting to get me somewhere.
Hilary´s last blog ..Do What You Can
I can relate to this because of my “all or nothing” mentality. It’s actually the EASY way out to say, “Oh, I made a bad decision, I’m just going to give up now.” It’s a cowardly way out. I know that now, but I still fight the mentality. You are right though: It is a CHOICE and we get to choose every day! Actually, every meal!
Lara (Thinspired)´s last blog ..Pretty Sunday, Steamy Monday
I was just talking with someone at a family party over the weekend who had just lost 50 pounds in 6 months just by making better decisions. One thing she said was that when she goes to the store, she’ll re-evaluate what’s in her cart and if there is a trigger food, or a splurge she doesn’t need, she’ll take it back out of the cart.
She also said that she used to get home from work and go right to the couch (after picking up fast food on the way home) and lay down on the couch until it was time to go to bed. Now she is up to walking 6 miles AFTER she gets home from work!
I do agree, we are faced with decisions every day and its up to us to make the best ones we can!
Jenn@slim-shoppin´s last blog ..Kicked up Noodle Soup + Heart Health Silk Soy Milk! – free coupon to try for 3 lucky readers!
@Hilary – It really is amazing to me that small good decisions, when stacked on top of each other, really do add up to some really healthy, life changing events. I like your newfound attitude!
@Lara – Every meal, every snack, every exercise choice. All seemingly little decisions that can really make a difference. I love your outlook on life.
@Jenn – What a great thing! I do that too. I look in the cart and evaluate what I have. Sometimes I think – I don’t need those crackers, or whatever. It’s amazing how she changed her whole outlook on life. Tell her I said great job!
Awesome post Diane. I’m not sure why I made The Decison this time and have actually stuck to it. I guess at some point you just get tired of going back up the scale? It takes a lot out of you to lose and re-gain over and over. My health was another big issue. I was starting to fear I wouldn’t make it to 40 years old. But I’ve turned that around!! I posted last night about my lab report and it’s good news!!! Major accomplishment for me, and I can’t stop smiling over it.
Tammy´s last blog ..I’m Off My Meds!!!
Another “keeper” post! I agree, we all have our “not the best” days, but that doesn’t mean we’ve failed and lost all hope! Onwards & Upwards!!!
~Carla~´s last blog ..Healthy You Check In & some goals!
That’s the thing I realized after making the big decision to lose weight…you have to make so durn many small decisions after that…not to pick up a candy bar at the gas station…not to have dessert at restaurants…not to yield to the call of Hagen Daaz…to make rather than buy ready made meals…to go for a run rather than watch tv…etc etc. The big ones are easier in that sense.
@Tammy – Your health obviously was a big enough incentive to really help you make the decision and stick to it. Congrats on the medications going bye-bye!
@Carla – Onwards & upwards! Every minute is a new chance to move your life forward!!
@Chris – Good point about there being sooooo many decisions to make. And if you start to make some small bad decisions, then they can add up to weight gain. Especially if you are like me and eat too much candy/cake in one week. You have a great point. Maybe I’ll write about that too!
Each morning I rise, NOW, with the decision imbedded deep in my heart to make the day a healthy one. To make the right food choices and carve out the time to exercise; both at lunch and for at least a half hour every evening at home before dinner. Each time I am presented with a food choice that I know is healthy, I weigh the pros and cons and make a thoughtful choice. 89% of the time (if not more), I choose healthy, not short-term eating bliss. LOL In a nutshell, I’ve learned to live and eat responsibly, instead of knee-jerk reacting to life’s stressors with a momentary sugar fix. It’s worked. Oh, how it’s worked. It’s now a way of life.
Sunny´s last blog ..Six Month Anniversary
Fabulous post. I agree that one of the most important things we can do to make sure this journey succeeds is to just decide to not give up. The road might not always be easy, and things may not move exactly as we’d like, but as long as we keep going, keep trying, keep striving, eventually we’ll get there.
Hadley´s last blog ..Tuesday Weigh In
@Sunny – I like how you describe that the decision is embedded deep in your heart. Because that’s where it comes from. And an 89% success rate is awesome!!
@Hadley – Deciding to stick with it through the hard times is so important, because the hard times will come. It’s never a straight line journey.
[...] reading Diane’s post today, I realized that I am a very rigid person. I’m good at making decisions for myself, and [...]
I think you are so on with this. I hope the most successful part of my new life is that I decided not to make anything ‘off limits’ I just need to track and monitor everything. I no longer need a ‘cheat day’ I no longer ‘fall off the wagon’. This is why I think my current way of life will get me thin(er)
MackAttack´s last blog ..sore thumb
Diane, this is the hardest part to explain to anyone. Once the decision is made, it will happen. That doesn’t mean that someone won’t face struggles. They will. It doesn’t mean bad days won’t happen. They do. It just means that no matter what, I will not quit, I will not fail, and I will succeed at this. I might have bad days, but that is not enough to make me quit. The decision has been made.
Thanks for the link. I appreciate it.
South Beach Steve´s last blog ..It’s Back!
You said it so well! I also decided that quitting was not an option. Sure there have been times when I’ve allowed my emotional discomfort to affect me, but not once have I thrown my hands up in the air and said, “I give up”. That will simply not happen.
Hanlie´s last blog ..Breaking free