The Periodic Table of TOPS: I is for Individuality

I know now not to judge others on how they choose to work their weight-loss plan. My role is to support and learn from them. Losing weight is challenging but not impossible. Understanding how all the elements in The Periodic Table of TOPS need to fall in place should provide comfort for those difficult times.

Iodine in chemistry is signified by the letter I. It has many uses. I remember my first introduction to this element as a young child when treating countless cuts and scrapes. However, despite its many applications, for my refracted purpose in building The Periodic Table of TOPS — I is for Individuality.

The TOPS element of individuality is one that is easily misunderstood. Despite the massive campaigns that state they “know the secret to weight loss: just do this,” there are many variables to success. As I’ve found out the hard way, there is no one set way to lose weight and grab a healthier lifestyle. This is also problematic in explaining to others who want to get healthy. I don’t have all the answers.

When I’m “working my plan,” I often hear, “I’ve tried what you’re doing — why isn’t it working for me?” My explanation is this: Since I’m an individual, that makes me unique. Being individuals makes each of us unique. This is an important fact that I needed to understand, since I felt I was a failure because I couldn’t follow someone else’s footsteps.

Due to individuality, other weight-loss plans use fine print to acknowledge that the great successes they portray aren’t typical. This is because of the individuality of all users.

So, it is impossible for an organization to create a path for all to follow. In my opinion, the fact that there is no “one size fits all” process is the best thing to happen to me. Having I symbolizing Individuality identifies one of the elements that provides flexibility to compensate for all our unique traits. Remember, the human body is very complex.

Harnessing the power of Individuality (I) is what made my journey a success. I listened to other like-minded members, using their Support (S), creating Opportunities (O) to maintain my Health (H), and furthering my knowledge on good Nutrition (N). The ability to Control (C) my plan and not be bamboozled by the perceived latest and greatest fad is very satisfying.

There are many more elements to decipher, but for now, just embrace your Individuality.

This is part 6 of the multipart series, “The Periodic Table of TOPS.” In my next blog, we’ll explore the element P.