Getting Out of My Own Way

Some goals are easy. Others are elusive. What stops me from reaching the elusive ones? Myself, of course. I don’t set unrealistic goals. I don’t even set unreasonable ones, but some goals begin to feel unreasonable or difficult, and that is what stops me. I start to believe I can’t do it. As a coach, I know the next question, but for some reason, when I am wallowing in self-doubt, I forget to ask it. If I could do it, what would I do next?

Let me apply that to melting the last 20 pounds of fat. After only a few weeks of reaching the significant goal of weighing 40 pounds less, I am feeling a bit defeated about losing the next 20. It’s all around my belly and hips. Oh, OK! It’s also a layer of extra insulation over my whole body. Hey, I don’t need insulation. If I get cold, I’ll put on some fleecy togs, so that’s no excuse. The dilemma is: my belly really bugs me. I’ve caught myself thinking, “Maybe this is my normal weight. Maybe I can’t lose any more.”

There it is! That’s what stops me. I can’t lose this is the energy I am feeling and that is a guaranteed show stopper. Having realized this, I know what to do. I ask myself, “If I could lose that flab, what would I do next?” I will stick with my food plan. That’s a given. It really works. Then what? Sigh, I guess it’s those darn crunches and scrunches. How I resist them. What would make them more fun? Doing them somewhere that doesn’t smell doggish on the floor and where a dog can’t lick my face just when I’m getting into it. Hmm – up on the deck seems like a good place for that – until it starts raining – but that’s probably months away, so OK:

• I’ll do those ab exercises on the deck, three times a week.

• I will start my Strong Women Stay Young weight training again.

• I will move a little faster and farther on my daily walk.

• I will visualize my slim body every day.

• I’ll remember my satisfaction the first time I tried on a smaller size and it actually fit – comfortably.

• I will breathe deeply and be thankful I have reached this wonderful plateau because I am far healthier than I was four months ago!

WOW! I feel better already – and maybe even thinner.

©2008, Jacqueline Hale

Jacquie Hale
510-548-2585

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