The amount of people I get through my doors with excuses for their lack of results can get very frustrating some times. I don't mean to sound insensitive but I know the results these beautiful people could be getting if only they put in the time and effort.
I am always grateful to hear and read of other health professionals feeling the same way and over the weekend I came across this article by Michelle Bridges from the biggest loser who also runs a 12 week challenge.
Take a look:
Sometimes, getting something done takes more than just doing it. Sounds odd, I know, but it's true. I was at a busy shopping centre on a recent weekend, signing copies of my cookbook. I love these outings, as I get to meet so many inspirational women and men.
Occasionally, I meet people who have completed my online 12 Week Body Transformation and achieved amazing things for themselves and their families - and this was one of those days.
An overweight lady approached the table where I was sitting. She was bubbly and excited and I could see her husband and two children standing expectantly behind her.
She told me that she had not only just completed my 12 Week Body Transformation, but had also done five previous ones. I realised quickly I wasn't looking at a success story here. The atmosphere was pregnant with the anticipation of a sympathetic ear. Sorry, girlfriend - wrong person, wrong time.Advertisement: Story continues belowThe stop-start roller-coaster is more damaging than a junk-food menu stuck to your fridge. It tells us that we can't succeed in what we set out to do, and fast-tracks us to disempowerment and losing control of our lives - so commit to healthy eating and don't look back!
I asked how it had gone for her, if she had lost much weight. She replied that she hadn't, but insisted that she had done everything that she was meant to do, even down to clearing out all the junk food in her kitchen, which is one of the first tasks I set my participants before they begin the program.
I could see her husband shaking his head behind her. She evidently hadn't been able to enrol him into her denials, and she sure wasn't fooling me - but I could live with that.
What was really bothering me was that she was clearly lying to herself.
"Really? Did you throw all the junk food away?" I asked.
"Well, most of it," she replied. "There's still a bit left in the house. I gave most of it to the kids."
"I gave it to the kids." The words sparked in her the realisation she was deluding herself. The tears in her eyes started to well up. Sorry, honey, that doesn't work with me. It was time for a big helping of tough love. Sure, we finished with a hug and lots of supportive words and promises, but I was struggling with the conversation for the rest of the day.
That's because leading a healthier lifestyle isn't just simply talking about it - it's also about doing it. It's about embracing it, committing to it, honouring and acknowledging it. The cycle of endless fresh starts and failed New Year resolutions chip away at our self-belief and we soon start to believe that we can't achieve what we set out to achieve.
Michelle's Tip
The stop-start roller-coaster is more damaging than a junk-food menu stuck to your fridge. It tells us that we can't succeed in what we set out to do, and fast-tracks us to disempowerment and losing control of our lives - so commit to healthy eating and don't look back!
By Michelle Bridges From: Sunday Life 13.3.12
Took view more of Michelle's wonderful articles visit her website www.michellebridges.com.au
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