When I start an original blog series, I have a plan in mind on how the series will run. I do not write each installment ahead of time. I get it into the communications staff a day or two before it is due to post. Maybe it is not great planning, however it is my STRATEGY.
STRATEGY in chess has more to do with moves that will be needed well into the game. It is a deliberate process. So, my STRATEGY is to wait as long as I can since there may be a chance to work in a message that would apply to any current situation. If I had them all pre-written and plugged in to go, then an excellent opportunity to tie in something pertinent to TOPS may be missed.
Again, waiting for the last days (or my very next move) may be fine in blog writing but there is not an ADVANTAGE in the game of chess or my journey to be as healthy as I can be without having a STRATEGY.
As I approach being one year away from seventy, I now realize not having a STRATEGY to take better care of myself could have taken me out of the game completely.
Delaying my OPENING move by joining TOPS late in my life certainly was not an ADVANTAGE. However, my successes and setbacks have shown that it is never too late to plan a new STRATEGY.
I have quipped many times that I enjoyed reaching my goal and becoming a KOPS, that I have done it six times and now I am working on my seventh. Each time required a different ATTACK and a new STRATEGY.
TOPS helps me plan for each STRATEGY. There are many tools one can use and all of them work with the support, education and accountability of TOPS.
I am a notable example that I do not win every game. Equally, I am also a fitting example of not quitting and will reset the board as many times as I need. My goal is to be a KOPS again for the seventh time by the next forum in August 2026.
I will need a new STRATEGY, but I am ready for the game, are you?
Strategy what a great word. This word plays many roles in our lives. I am a little older than you and have been a TOPS member off and on since the late 1960’s. YO-yo is a word that I lived with for many years. I did become a KOP Oct 31/1916. I finally won the race and I have lowered my goal once by 5 pounds. Plan is another good word hmmm I can plan a new strategy to avoid my Yo-Yo syndrome. Lots of key words to help along the way. Accountability!!! With the scale weekly !!!
TOPS has always been there for me. A great support. I am so thankful that Esther Manz had a vision !! Losing weight isn’t fun at the best of times but having support along the way kept me coming back. It is wonderful how we get to choose what we are going to eat to attain our goal. It is so great there is the KOPS plan to keep us on track with our strategy, planning and accountability as we change our food intake slightly to successfully maintain KOPS status
Right there with you, Rick. We can do this!!!