Some weight loss programs offer support through weekly group
meetings. Others offer it through internet
discussion boards, interactive blogs and/or other electronic chat options. All of these things can be valuable. If any of these things work for you then you
should use them. But my weight loss
journey was much more solitary. I did
not join any program or support group.
No one agreed to lose weight with me.
And I did not join any exercise classes or find a work out partner. For the most part, I did it on my own.
But the words “for the most part” are important. Just because I did not join a support group
or have a weight loss/workout partner does not mean that I did not have lots of
support. I had a lot of support and it
came in many different shapes and sizes.
In the beginning, I received enormous support from my family
and close friends. People provided me
with inspiration, encouragement and compliments. While these things are simple enough, they
really do matter. They helped to build
self-confidence and a positive attitude which helped provide a good foundation
for success.
Beyond inspiration and encouragement, for me at least,
support meant minimizing opportunities for sabotage – intentional or
otherwise. During the first few months
of my commitment to a healthier lifestyle my wife and children were careful not
to keep “junk food” and other temptations around the house. Within just a few months though I reached a
point where that was no longer necessary, my family was free to eat and drink
anything they wanted anytime they wanted.
I developed a lot of self-discipline.
All of that support during those early months of my journey was crucial
to my success.
Finally, it was helpful for me to talk to people about my
health and fitness goals. I talked to
everyone – family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc. Talking to people had so many benefits. Most people were enormously generous with
their encouragement, praise and wisdom.
I found many interactions with people truly inspiring. It was surprising how many eating/exercising
tips that people shared with me. Finally,
and this was a bit unexpected, sometimes my successes appeared to inspire
others. Not only did this make me feel
good, but it inspired me to continue my journey. Sharing my story – successes, struggles and
failures yielded more benefits than I ever imagined possible.
Ultimately, we all need support. But everyone is different. Each of us needs different kinds of support to
feel good about ourselves and to nurture our success. Make sure you recognize what kind of support
you need and surround yourself with as much of that support as possible. The more support you have the greater your chances
for continued success.
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