If you read my blog often, you know that I have lost substantial weight and kept it off since the year 2000. In my seminars and workshops, where I teach the principles of permanent weight loss, I often talk about the two most important factors to lifestyle change that result in permanent weight loss:
Consistency
That’s how you build lifestyle change. It doesn’t come with a diet, or we’d all be thin. Consistency is how you show up in your life, every day. It’s about the quality of the effort.
Consistency is not about “cheat days” or accepting a binge because it’s been a rough week or we got rejected by someone or something. Consistency is about integrity and owning our choices, for good. It’s about busting up excess weight with good behavior with food and exercise executed on a daily basis.
Persistence
Persistence is key to separating permanent weight loss from yo-yo diet/regain. If we give up, we lose. Period. End of story. Yes, it matters if you “get back on the wagon.” But, why adopt the wagon theory at all?
You can ask Oprah how well the wagon has served her; she’s famous for her quote about it. I don’t believe in the wagon. There is no “on” or “off” for me. There is just life and how I choose to live it.
I recently saw a quote that reminded me of this:
“Persistence is your measure of your
belief in yourself.” ~Brian Tracy
I have to say, I never thought about persistence in quite this way. I love the concept of persistence and I hone and sharpen my persistence all the time.
But, believing in myself?
Well, isn’t it?
If we believe in ourselves, we don’t give up. We don’t throw away days. We don’t go backwards. We don’t give up on ourselves. Ever.
Thanks Pat for sharing your wisdom. I loved the article and can relate to the quote.
“Persistence is your measure of your
belief in yourself.” ~Brian Tracy
In my weight loss journey I consistently would do the work but belief in myself took the longest and was the most challenging. If you would celebrate and eat with poor choice each and every time someone would say its a birthday, an anniversary or it’s ok to cheat today and go back watching tomorrow I would have never lost over 60 pounds. Changing my habits, lifestyle and being accountable is keeping me on the path of permanent weight loss. I appreciate your support on my journey.
That’s a real testament to your deeper learning, Bonnie. When we realize we have to be responsible for our “yes” and “no” answers to food, pressure, holidays, etc., it’s so powerful! I’m so proud of you and the job you’ve done losing weight because it’s come with real growth and change. Keep up the good work!
Thank you Pat for all of your encouragement and kind words. I really do appreciate them and YOU!
Wow, an AHA moment. I never thought of it that way before. This statement will go in my “gift to myself” statement. Make friends with my mind and honor myself by being persistent!!
Yes! If you are persistent, acknowledge that. Being downright stubborn served me well in losing weight, once I learned how to use it to my advantage, instead of using it against myself! Thanks for the comment.