Fighting Giants

Let me take you back, for a moment, to an experience you may recall from your childhood. Your big brother is teasing you by dangling your prized possession over your head chanting, “you can’t get it, you can’t get it!” You jump, but he is bigger and taller and you feel that you can’t defeat him.  

That is, until you start thinking outside of the box and get determined. Suddenly you become stronger with determination, climb onto a chair, step on his toes, or kick him where it hurts.  Does this remind you of the same song and dance you play with weight loss? Your goal is so close, yet you can’t seem to grasp it.  Here are four tips to help you defeat your weight loss giant.

Get your mind right.  Stop carrying your battle wounds on your sleeve.  We have all failed in one way or another, but so what. Are you going to let that define you? Move on from your defeats and focus on your strengths. Listen to motivational audio CDs on the way to work and start your day with a ‘can do’ attitude.  Keep yourself inspired by reading books or magazines that inspire you. Spend time with people who can re-charge your batteries and keep you motivated rather than those who constantly moan and groan.

Educate yourself.  Sign up for classes, workshops, seminars, or teleconferences addressing healthy topics that interest you. Go to your local public library or surf the internet to research specific questions you may have.  Join forums or websites devoted to helping people lose weight.  

I  highly recommend www.sparkpeople.com. It has so many resources and it’s completely free. Look up new recipes if you are bored with what you have been eating. Divide the recipe on your first try so if you don’t like the flavor you have only wasted one serving.

Surround yourself with success.  Tap into your creative side. Get a notebook, poster board, or construction paper and cut and paste motivational quotes or verses, success stories, and pictures of yourself at your goal weight.  If you have never achieved your goal weight, cut out pictures of people that you aspire to look like. 

When you are tempted to slip into your pity party mode reflect on this inspiration and realize that you can do this. If you haven’t been successful by yourself think about starting a weight loss challenge with your family, friends, church group or at work. You can have weigh-ins, healthy recipe exchanges, guest speakers, and group exercise classes. If you can’t think of anyone who would be interested, take advantage of already existing groups.

Most importantly, just get started.  There is never a good time to start and there are always excuses to procrastinate just a little bit longer, but I’m guessing that’s why you are where you are now. Just get the ball rolling and soon you will be basking in the success of your triumphs.