Sticking with the plan

Got a minute? That's long enough to get over how you feel The Wt. Loss Minute by Linda Spangle, RN, MA www.100DaysChallenge.com Great idea: Stick with your plan, even when you don't feel like it Today, I didn't feel like taking my morning walk! In fact, I used every excuse I could think of to convince myself why I should skip it: I'm so tired, I've been traveling, I'm really behind on my work, etc. Also, I would rather go back to bed and sleep a few more minutes. The truth? Right now, I just don't feel like it! I'm a country music fan, and I love that great song by Gretchen Wilson, who croons the words, 'I don't feel like loving you today!' In the song, she chastises her man for all the wrongs he's done, and describes how angry she is about all of it. She even hints that she's thought about leaving him. Then she admits that she really does love him, and plans to stay with him in spite of her frustration. But with each chorus of the song, she proclaims that she doesn't 'feel' like loving him today. We all understand this. So many days, we don't 'feel' like exercising, staying on our diet plans or avoiding the temptation of wonderful foods. Of course, we also have times when we don't feel like going to work or changing a diaper or cleaning the house. But somehow, we do these things anyway, whether we feel like it or not. I think it's because we prefer the outcomes we get as a result. We want a steady paycheck, a happy baby and house that won't horrify a mother-in-law. In the same way, you don't have to feel like eating right or exercising in order to stick with your program. In last week's newsletter, I mentioned that if you're just 'interested' in losing weight, it doesn't take much to distract you. But if you're 'committed' to reaching your goals, you stick with your program, 'no matter what!' Here's rule #2 for staying committed. Don't let how you 'feel' determine what you do. If you're really committed to your goals, make a choice to follow your program whether you feel like it or not. Focus on your actions, not your feelings, and push yourself forward in the same way you make yourself go to work or handle other challenges in your life. And on days you don't feel like doing your diet or exercise plan, do it anyway! Taking a few 'do it anyway' actions each day will add up to a lot of changes over time. You'll also remember what it feels like to use your own power as a motivation tool, rather than hoping that one of these days, you might 'feel' like sticking with your weight-loss plan. Are you wondering about my morning walk? Well, even though I didn't feel like it, I dragged myself out of bed at dawn, put on my workout shoes, and did it anyway! To read more about 'doing it anyway,' see Day #3 in the book '100 Days of Weight Loss.' Note: This is #2 in a series on being committed to your weight-loss plan, not just interested in it. If you missed, #1, you can read it here: http://www.rapidwtloss.com/index.php?page_id=290 Next week: Does your motivation depend on results? To send feedback or comments on the Wt. Loss Minute, click 'reply' and send me a note. I always value your thoughts and ideas. Know others who've got a minute? Forward this ezine and brighten their day. Copyright Linda Spangle, 2006. #1023, Weight Loss for Life, Inc. 5023 W. 120th Ave. #183, Broomfield, CO 80020 Contact: [email protected] www.100DaysChallenge.com 303-452-1545 or 1-800-298-3020