90 Days: A Journey Towards Health

Chapter 4 I Stand Alone

Starting and sticking to a healthy weight loss plan is hard. From the way things are going along my journey, at times it seems impossible.  I have to remind myself, multiple times, daily that my plans are achievable.

I don't lack the motivation to get started but I lose my motivation to keep going - especially four days in and the scale still reads the same. Luckily, motivation is something that can be increased.

In my mind, I have clearly defined all the reasons I want to lose weight. I plan on journaling them to help me stay committed and motivated to reach my weight loss goals.

My goal is to read through them daily and use them as a reminder when I am tempted to stray from my weight loss plans.

Some of my reasons include reversing diabetes, keeping up with grandchildren - if and when they come, looking my best for an event, improving my self-confidence, along with fitting into a certain pair of jeans or a dress.

There are diets and diet products claiming quick and easy weight loss - mind you, I have yet to see them work. In previous diets, I set a goal of three to five pounds coming off every week. In reality , most practitioners recommend only losing one - two pounds a week.

In the past, I set unattainable goals. Not meeting these unattainable goals lead to feelings of frustration and caused me to give up. Let's see if setting and accomplishing achievable goals lead to feelings of accomplishment.

Focusing on the process helps make you more likely to lose weight and less likely to deviate from their diets. Making the outcome your main focus can hinder weight loss because you don't see results right away.

Consider setting SMART goals to set strong goals. SMART stands for:

Specific Goals
Measurable Goals
Achievable Goals
Realistic Goals
Time-based Goals

Some examples of SMART goals include:

I will walk briskly for 30 minutes five days next week.
I will eat four servings of vegetables every day this week.
I will only drink one soda this week.

Following the SMART goals permits you to see where you are headed and how to get there.
It also allows you to take the journey alone.
We may want others to be supportive and encouraging but the truth is they are not always available.

I must do this for me and for my health. That means, I have to be responsible for me. I am stand alone on this path. If someone wants to walk beside me for awhile, I will accept them. I just cannot expect them to drive and take me there.

Day 4
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