Weight Loss Helping Others Handle Your Achievement

By John A. Mays, MSEd

Fitness Together

More Weight Control, Nutrition & Exercise Articles

Weight Loss Helping Others Handle Your Achievement

Who actually believes that you can change when you set off on a journey of self-improvement?

As weird as this may sound, one of the more difficult aspects of making progress on your fitness goals can be dealing with those around you who are observing your personal goals and changes. Not everyone will be immediately supportive of your decision to change your life for the better. The best way to deal with this is not through ignorance, but compassion.

You may need to help them see that you are on a personal journey to do something to make your life better. Initially we criticize them for criticizing us, it is much more productive to be patient with them. This breaks the pattern of egotistical thinking and helps others learn from your inner and outer change. Patience is the key. The best way to remain patient with them is to stick to your own vision and remain strong on your journey.

As your habits change, your friends and family may feel as though you are pulling away from them, judging their habits as inferior, or positioning yourself as “better” than them. This of course is not true, but you must be diligent and positive. Here are my three best ways of doing so

1. Just Love Yourself Until you are happy with who and what you are, you can never be the best friend, family or lover to someone else in your life. This is when an “I Love Me” attitude is respected by all. Improving your health and fitness will strengthen your relationship with others.

2. Understand Their Feelings Stay strong and courageous in your own journey, lighting the path for their own. Choose to be a role model. Glow with love and understanding as they adjust to believing that you are changing while you reach your goals.

3. Own Your Journey Speak with confidence. “I get a “high” from pushing myself.” “My new lifestyle makes me feel good.” Runners and athletes don't do it to get tight abs. They have lean strong bodies because of what they do. The people in your life who truly care for you can always get behind the type of motivation that leads to personal improvement. If they cannot, its time to re-evaluate your relationship with them.

Standing on your own two feet with confidence leads to respect from all. As you grow, never rub the new you in the faces of others. Choose to be their selfless and loving inspiration. Take an educational and patient stance with them. And never forget that at one point you were in their shoes, too. Make it part of your mission to inspire only the positive in those around you.