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Flabby Thinking
by Tali Weiss
There are many ways to lose weight and many forms of exercise - just look at the articles, books, methods, tips, television shows and websites about diets and fitness. On one hand, we are fortunate to have so much information about wellness and the availability to put this information into practice. On the other, it's confusing. Many of my trainees feel they are loaded with information and knowledge but when it comes to practice they are confused and frustrated.
So let's clear the fog by following some practical steps to weight loss, or get into a workout routine or both.
I use these steps with my trainees. They are very efficient for any goal - especially for wellness goals.
All you need to do is to take pen and paper and start training your way back to a healthy and happy life.
Your destination: not having a specific goal is like going on a trip without a destination, and losing weight is no different from going on a trip. Set a specific goal, make sure that this goal is what you want to achieve and not what someone else tells you to do. Take a piece of paper and write down the one goal you want to achieve.
Your reason: you need one. Without a reason you won't reach your goal. Find a reason that is something you deeply value and is a top priority. Having a reason will help to keep your motivation whenever you get off track. When you have a goal and a reason, you create a force you gravitate towards, and that picks you back up. This is an important coaching tool - define the destination and write the reason next to it.
Your plan: let's go back to your trip. You have a destination and a reason to get there. What is missing is the "how". How are you planning to get there? For example, you are in Paris, your destination is the Louvre, the reason you want to go there is you have always dreamed of visiting this museum. How are you planning to get there? When you don't know how to get to your destination you use a map. In this case, your "map" will show several routes to losing, say, 5kg or any other goal you wish to achieve. If you feel you are not sure which route to choose, you can always use the help and guidance of a nutritionist and a fitness trainer. Write down next to your goal and reason the "how". Write your plan in specific detail - what you are planning to eat every day, how many times this week you are going to the gym do or any other physical activity.
Measure your progress: how do you know if you're on the right track? You can check by developing a weekly plan to stay accountable. Find a way to chart your progress. If your goal is to lose weight, buy a measuring tape and take your measurements weekly. Or maybe you have a pair of jeans that you can try on weekly. Find something that works for you. As I always say: "If you can't do it on your own, look for a certified life or wellness coach to guide you."
Tali Weis is a life coach and a member of the International Association of Coaching (info@coachinghk.org)
