The basic mechanisms of weight loss are simple: calories have to be less than calories. You have to eat less than you spend. Yes, the foods you eat, metabolism, hormone status, stress, digestion and genetics also play a role. However, you will never find out if this is a problem at all unless you actually make an effort first. If you stick to the basics, you will likely see improvements.
The problem with successful health change is not how it is done, but how it is done. If you show up every day and get the job done, you will get results. Unfortunately, there is often a lack of discipline, commitment and consistency to make these simple changes.
You may think it would be nice to make a change and become a healthier version of yourself (good for you). However, if you are not ready to go into work, absolutely no one can do anything to help you – no matter how much money you spend or how many different plans you try.
What can you do to commit yourself and apply the discipline required to achieve your goals? I'm glad you asked.
Increase your responsibility
Look closely in the mirror and decide if this person looking back at you is doing everything in their power to show up every day. Do you consistently take care of business?? Do you feel responsible for doing what you know you need to do? Or are you sleeping in there, halfway through your training and eating crap that isn't even considered food?
You are an adult:
- You have to make a decision to make the next right decision.
- You have to choose to provide your body with whole, nutritious food.
- You have to choose to move your body instead of sitting on your ass.
- Now you have to decide to make the changes that will enable you to live a long, healthy and independent life.
It is 100% up to you, not your trainer, not your spouse, not your doctor. You. People can give you the tools you need to succeed, but it's up to you to implement them.
Do you do everything to become the best version of yourself?
Time is a resource, not an excuse
"I have no time." How many times did you say it Be honest with yourself. What don't you have time for? Don't have time for social media? Doubtful. Don't you have time to watch TV again? However, when it comes to having time, eating well and staying active, the time continuum suddenly disappears and there is no additional second to be found.
It's never about having time. It's about saving time and making your health and life a priority. I guarantee that you will find time to eat (otherwise you would go hungry and we would not have this conversation). Why not make it nutritious?
Regarding movement, nowhere is it written that you have to perform any task that the seated man knows. Get up and move. It's incredible how much you can do by standing and walking – that alone will make a big difference in most people's lives. Workouts don't have to be long to be effective. You just have to take the time. You have to make it a priority.
What I'm up to here is that everyone is busy. Everyone has the same 24 hours a day. It is up to each of us to determine how we will spend this time. If you are committed to a healthy lifestyle, the things that promote that lifestyle are high on your list. You will find the time to do what needs to be done. Period.
Check your discipline
Finally, I want to talk about discipline, especially about self-discipline. The discipline you hold over yourself to do the right thing, even if it sucks.
Successful changes do not require magic. it takes discipline.
- The discipline necessary to go to bed at a decent time so your body gets the rest and relaxation it needs to live another epic day.
- The discipline needed to get your ass off the chair, throw a few weights around, or go for a walk, even if you don't feel like it.
- The discipline to prefer lean protein and vegetables to fatty, cheesy pizza because you know you will feel good about this choice.
- The discipline of saying no to something that doesn't help you achieve your goals, and the discipline of doing things that want you to.
If you don't have the discipline, you will have a hard time making these difficult decisions.
Ultimately, it depends on you and the decisions you make every day. You can choose where you are or you can choose to change. The strength lies in you, your honesty with yourself, your priorities and your discipline.
In the words of the wise little green man: "Don't do it, there is no attempt."
It's time to take responsibility for yourself and make it happen. You choose.