As the 21st Olympics enthrall the world, I find myself once again amazed by the grace, beauty and achievement of the world’s finest athletes.
This year, perhaps because I’m a bit more reflective about life these days, the games have reminded me of all the Olympics I’ve watched through the years. Beyond the athletic achievement, competition and “overcoming the odds” stories guarantee drama.
One of the reasons I think the games appeal to us is that we live cathartically through them. After all, most of us will never achieve a triple axle jump, even without the ice skates. I know I hesitate to jump off a fence, much less a mountain on skis. And I bet I can’t find one of my dear readers rushing out to luge down a frozen tube at 90 mph!
But, there is not one of us who can’t be an Olympian when it comes to permanent weight loss. I’m convinced of that. In order to compete on the world class stage, seek to develop these elements that Olympians master:
1. Devotion, dedication, commitment. Permanent weight loss requires long-term dedication. You must be so committed you never doubt your goal or your ability to achieve it.
2. Goal oriented. Know where you are going. Be as specific about your goal as you can.
3. Comfortable in body. As you manage the slow, definite progress towards permanent weight loss (which is fat loss only), you’ll get to know your body and grow comfortable with it. After all, it is your home, the only home you’ll ever live in.
4. Food is fuel. Athletes know how to fuel their bodies. Over time, they’ve learned what gives them energy and what doesn’t. They use food to fuel their lives and activity, not for other reasons.
5. Investment. To reach their goals, world class athletes invest in themselves by finding excellent coaching, support, training, education and equipment.
6. Willingness to do the work. Whatever it takes, Olympians are ready and willing. No moaning or groaning. No excuses. They recognize a narrow window of opportunity and seize it.
7. Ability to overcome obstacles. Never say no. Don’t stop. With no questions asked, do what is necessary.
8. Big picture vision. Olympians don’t play small. They don’t let anything get in the way of their biggest wishes and dreams in life. They program themselves to see the big picture and take every step necessary to get there.
Master these elements and you’ll grab the gold medal in permanent weight loss!
Hi Pat,
I’ve been following your blog and wanted to let you know how much I appreciate it. And it reminds me of all your great teachings which I strive to keep in mind every day. I love the Olympics and agree with all of your points. I’d just like to add one, if I can: Have fun along the way. I know what they go through is painful as with all of us either losing weight or keeping it permanently gone, and having fun with the process is a big part of it for me. Life can be fun and exciting even as we are working towards our goals!
Thanks Pat,
Michelle
Very good point – fun! That makes everything easier. I have noticed many of the athletes who have overcome obstacles and injuries hook into fun and enjoyment. It seems to lighten their attitude tremendously! Thanks for commenting Michelle!
Another important point in the weight loss process is stopping at key points and really appreciating what you have achieved. Having sub-goals or milestones along the way is a great excuse to praise yourself and really feel good looking at the new you.
Many people focus so much on the final goal that they lose sight of the incredible gains they are making every week.
I still think back fondly to that moment last year when I realised I was looking at myself in the mirror again and liking what I saw. Wasn’t at my goal at that point but everything was falling into place and stopping to feel good in myself and my achievements really helped to keep me focused on going all the way.
I am now heading towards goal number 3 (4 lbs off) where I will decide if I want to lose more or begin the weight gain process of adding muscle via weight training – another exciting phase in my long term journey..
James – That must have been a great moment for you. We all deserve to like what we see in the mirror. I love the idea of sub-goals and often assign them to my clients. Adding muscle will give your metabolism a great boost and you’ll burn more fat, even when you’re at rest. Never underestimate the power of the weight room. During my third year of weight loss, I lost only 9 lbs. but I lost THREE dress sizes. That’s the year I added the most muscle and strength. God, it was fun! Then, I started getting all those marriage proposals from Wisconsin farmers whenever I hauled 50 lb. bags of salt at the hardware store… but that’s another story.
5. Investment. To reach their goals, world class athletes invest in themselves by finding excellent coaching, support, training, education and equipment.
That one sticks out to me the most. Too many times we don’t invest fully in ourselves to maintain whatever it is we are trying to achieve. Regarding sustainable weight loss this includes purchasing shoes that fit correctly for exercise, healthy foods (i.e., lean meats, veggies, fresh fruit, etc.), and whatever is needed to maintain weight loss. It cost money!
One can either invest in themselves by staying healthy or with dollars on items such as medication, doctor visits, etc.
Personally, I fall on the side of investing in my health!
Ernise –
You are right – when I think of the amounts I spent on wacky diets, exercise gear, new clothes because the old ones didn’t fit, restaurants, binge food… it’s clear I was spending, not aware investment was different. Healthy food is an investment that can save you thousands, maybe hundreds of thousands of dollars over your lifetime in terms of medical costs, prescription drugs, etc. One of my coaching clients once said “I came to you expecting a diet, instead I got my self back… if I paid you every penny I earned for the rest of my life, it still wouldn’t equal the value of what I got from coaching with you.” So, investing in ourselves and our health is important – it shows us (and the world) we’re valuable. Thanks for commenting!
I’m really looking forward to starting weights again. I used to lift back when I started working out properly in 2000. Stopped when I left the gym to pursue home based workouts about 5 years ago.
I do a tough combat routine which has led some some nice muscle toning but I’m now really looking forward to building pure muscle onto my leaner frame. Now that I’ve mastered the calorie control ‘maths’ I feel I can properly track muscle gain without fear of gaining fat – fun. 🙂
Wow, your third year sounds insane! Was that the one where everything really started to move to a new level? I can’t imagine how cool it must have felt to keep on losing dress sizes – though it must have meant lots of spending on new clothes! 😉
LMAO on the farmers admiration. A lot of men are really impressed by a strong woman – and so they should.
As someone pointed out above, that fun factor should never be underestimated. We can have fun with the amazing achievements we are making on a regular basis, even if the ultimate goal is years away.
Love your blog banner by the way! Brilliant to show the awesome progression you made over those years. You were in for the long haul and never lost sight of your goals.
Very good point – fun! That makes everything easier. I have noticed many of the athletes who have overcome obstacles and injuries hook into fun and enjoyment. It seems to lighten their attitude tremendously!