Daily Objective: today i plant the seeds for tomorrow's weight loss
Time is relative. As I look back on my life I have been trying to achieve one weight loss goal or another by a certain date. I've done the calculations, to lose x amount of weight by x date I will have to lose x pounds a week by eating x amount of calories and doing x amount of exercises.I will admit when I was a lot younger and a lot more naive, I would actually pack clothes that were too small. This meant a lot of extra luggage much to my parents dismay. I always made a pact with myself: I will be able to wear these by the end of the vacation. Of course, that never happened. Vacation weight loss?
The equation never added up, or at least it didn't for me. I've been looking at my goals in their entirety this whole time. Instead of taking my health goals day by day, I've been stretching my thoughts to where I want to be in one, two or sixth months. I've ignored the amount of daily dedication it takes to achieve a goal.
When this happens I begin opening up more days to start over. If I give myself four months to meet a goal, eventually the time passes and I start getting all crazy with my thoughts: I can start this next month, I can meet my goal in three months. Er, only two months left? 20 lbs in one month! I can do it!
Once I stumble on one day with eating too much, I consider the whole thing to be a bust and derail until I get another set of goals in action. Weight loss is a day by day effort. All we have is today and right now.
When I am planning to lose weight I never think of it as a single day added up overtime to achieve a goal. What if, I let go of a month from now, or six months from now?
When I follow a diet I often think "what can I do long term?" and quickly think that any weight loss solution could not be followed for any length of time. Leaving no room for goal achieving and solution. What if, I started looking at weight loss in a more consistent manner: for today I am eating healthy and exercising to be at a different weight. Today. And then once today is done, I can do it again tomorrow.
Today I will make action that will cause future weight loss.
posted by Lorrie at 12:06 PM
20 Comments:
My mother used to struggle with that mindset...if she slipped up and ate something she shouldn't, she would just figure the whole day was a loss and continue eating junk the rest of the day knowing she'd "start over tomorrow". I kept telling her that when she slipped up, she needed to start over RIGHT THEN! Waiting until tomorrow, or next week, or after New Years only compounds the problem and takes that one slip up and gives you too much of an opportunity to make gaining one pound turn into 10 or 20. You just have to take it one day at a time, one meal at a time. Sounds like you have the right mindset to make it happen for you!
I hear you Sister.
I've totally been there, and have been in that position with weight loss for almost 3 decades. Only recently did I realize that in the past, I have placed no real importance or thought on the actual journey, and have only been focused on the end result. It really is about taking things 1 day at a time - baby steps to create real change. I've been battling with my weight for almost my entire life. With this new mindfulness, and going through each day with my eyes and senses wide open (as painful or uncomfortable as it may be) I've been able live my life in a new and honest way - creating actual change. I feel more balanced, and, for the first time in my life, feel centered. As a result of small mindful changes day by day, I've lost 40lbs this year.
I have been there, I am still there on some days. Sustainable weight loss begins on the inside, and sometimes it feels like a mountain to climb. I can totally relate to your words. You are creating the change. Keep working it out.
Best of luck on your journey, and thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and life. I love your blog.
oxo -
Hi Lorrie - I completely relate to the sort of all-or-nothing, Grand Plans Syndrome that you're describing. I think it's really common. I've done it my whole life in every area (work, school, relationships, cleaning, crafts...everything! It's silly). I've started to truly believe (and not just 'know' in my brain) that our lives are really just a series of small moments and choices that at the end of the day add up to something positive or not so positive all around. I think all the dreaming and planning gives us hope and motivation, but it's just fantasy without the attention to the moments. Like - we don't make friends by throwing people we like huge parties or dreaming about...I don't know...sending our not-yet-born kids on play dates together. We make friends by smiling or asking a question or making a friendly comment...and those things add up. And we don't win races by clearing space on our shelves for trophies or buying $200 pairs of running shoes. We win races (or some people do) by not hitting the snooze button on our alarm clocks when it goes off before the scheduled morning workout. Anyway - sorry for the long comment, but I really relate and it's been on my mind :)
I like your day by day approach. As days go on, I see that it can become easier and easier, sort of like forming habits instead of some "diet" or "program".
That is a good way to start thinking. All the small steps make a difference. Consistency will get you there eventually. When you look at the long term goal and the long road ahead, sometimes it is easy to just stand still. I take each day as it comes. Exercise when on a regular basis and try to cut down the junk.
I think you're absolutely right about not setting a time table for losing weight, it only adds more frustration to an already very frustrating and difficult task. Who needs stress on top of stress? Isn't that what causes us to eat more anyways?
Good luck in your journey!
Your blog is such an inspiration. I found it a few weeks ago and am hooked. I've read your archives too! I love the idea of you taking it day by day.
I've never been able to meet a date goal with weight loss - so I finally stopped setting them LOL!
That's when I started having success. Realizing that this is something to do daily is really a great thing to recognize.
Kudos!
Hi Lorrie,
What a beautiful entry. I've just stumbled onto your blog. I can relate to what you are saying because I-I'm sure most of us-have all done the same thing. I've learned that changing habits is a life-long process. Though I admit to forgetting that from time to time. We are human, we are so fallible.
When I have time I'm going to check your archive and catch up. And I look forward to reading your next entry.
Lost half of me: I know exactly what you are talking about in regards to your mother. Its a really hard mindset to get out of, but hopefully not impossible.
sonia: wow, congratulations on your 40 lb loss! You really inspire me to see that I can have the same success.
Thank you for stopping by and leaving words of motivation for all of us.
Rachel- haha yes, this is exactly how it is, great analogy!
purple moonflower: I know! I really believe that a day by day approach is key. My future MIL said something to me about reaching goals that really stuck with me, she said to ask
"will this action help me reach my goal"
asithi: you're so right. I love this "When you look at the long term goal and the long road ahead, sometimes it is easy to just stand still. "
Amelia: "Who needs stress on top of stress? Isn't that what causes us to eat more anyways? " yes! haha so true
laura: thank you so much for your kind comments. my blog has been an interesting journey I've defiantly changed my mind a lot haha.
Lori: "I've never been able to meet a date goal with weight loss - so I finally stopped setting them LOL!
That's when I started having success."
That is so encouraging. I really believe that I eat my best or have better eating/exercise days when I'm not dieting.
Heather: First, I love your hair!
This was really good "Though I admit to forgetting that from time to time. We are human, we are so fallible."
So true.
Thank you for stopping by today and giving your input!
Hi Lorrie:
Your insight is inspiring! After too long of too many diets and calculated carb, fat, calorie counting plans that even a math whiz couldn't abide by, I've spent the past three months taking it day by day. I've lost 31 lbs. without "dieting" or depriving myself.
All the best to you!
Hello Everyone,
Today is the first day of my journey to weight loss. My name is Donna and I am overweight! Whew! Finally I said it!! I am 5'1 and 170lbs. I really could use some encouragement in this journey. I went to the grocery store today and brought food that would help me get threw the next couple of weeks.
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