I don’t think I’ve ever actually been at the weight listed on my driver’s license. I’m not sure if it’s more of a vanity thing, or if I think I will one day reach this weight. Many of us have that certain magic number in mind when it comes to our weight. Maybe you’ve said or thought, “If I could just lose __ pounds, then I’d be happy.” But, before you focus on whatever number you may have in mind, ask yourself these two questions.
“Can I maintain the lifestyle changes required to reach this number?” Even though I’m happy to be a KOPS (Keep Off Pounds Sensibly) member at my goal weight, I’d still like to lose ten more pounds. Over the past five years I’ve been following a routine that works well for me. I’ve found a workout plan that I like and I’ve even learned to love veggies. I also make sure to leave a little wiggle room for the occasional meal out or deep-fried treat. Yet I can’t seem to get the idea of “ten more pounds” out of my head. Is this attainable? And, if so, would I have to eliminate any wiggle room or commit to an unsustainable exercise routine? It’s important to set goals, but remember to keep them realistic and set yourself up for success.
“Am I expecting things to be different once I reach this number?” One of the most interesting things I found while interviewing TOPS members for our lifestyle book, Real Life: The Hands-on Pounds-off Guide, was how many members said they thought losing weight would solve all of their problems…but it didn’t. One member in particular explained that while she is much healthier and has more energy after losing more than 100 pounds, weight loss wasn’t the answer to all of life’s complications. She works every day to maintain her weight loss but knows that it is worth it. She is worth it.
Maybe I’ll never actually be the weight listed on my driver’s license, but maybe that’s okay. After all, if we delay our happiness until we reach a certain weight or achieve a certain goal, we’re missing out on the present, and all the little things that make the journey worth taking.
I just LOVE the last sentence Maggie. Reminds me of my favorite quote. “Don’t ever permit the pressure to exceed the pleasure”. This was said by Joe Madden the manager of the 2016 World Series Champions, in Oct 2016, right before game 4 of the World Series. I always find something in common between baseball and losing weight. You probably knew it had to be a baseball quote knowing how much I love the game. LOVE this Wednesday Wellness article.
Thanks for sharing, Ron! Glad you like the blog 🙂
I have been tell people for years, don’t pick a goal you can’t reach and stay with it. I have to get my drivers license this month and I am going to put the weight I will be at next year to reach my KOPS goal just to give me more incentive to reach it. So it will be a lie for awhile but I will make it. Thank you for all your good blogs Maggie and all your hard work!!!
Thank YOU for sharing Claudia! I have a lot of fun writing these and I always love hearing from members!