THE ISSUE
The big problem with adjusting our lives and changing diet and exercise habits is the "all or nothing" trap. We want immediate results. The longer something goes on without immediate and significant gratification, the less hopeful we become.
You'll need both MOTIVATION and DISCIPLINE to succeed. Motivation will get you excited and initiate change, but discipline and determination will carry you through. Lack in one or the other and you'll remain paralyzed.
THE LIE
Sometimes, the bigger the motivation, the less discipline will seem necessary... until the motivation wears off and the "crash" comes... ahh... our old friend despair.
Each successive restart thereafter will become harder and harder because the negative memories of the ending outweigh the temporary results we'd achieved *sigh*
I've been through it, so I'm with you... Don't psych yourself out of even starting.
The insurmountable does become easier over time, but it requires an initial catalyst.
THE CHANGE
Change doesn't need to be drastic. Just a little less calories today than yesterday. Just a few hundred more steps throughout the day or just simply stepping into a gym is a great first step.
I recommend you don't announce it to anyone though. Simply execute and let people begin to ask you "how did you make the change??" (better to be congratulated as you progress than to have people constantly ask if you've started)
THE RESULTS
By monitoring a slightly lower calorie diet and regularly performing exercise that exhausts the body regularly, the results will go far beyond looking better.
I PROMISE you will notice these inevitable and lasting results within a few months if you don't rush. Do the work and let the results just happen!
(1) Discipline
(2) Goal-setting
(3) Motivation
(4) Overcoming challenges
(5) Self-improvement + self-esteem
(6) Consistency
(7) Improved hormonal regulation
(8) Higher mental alertness and general cognitive function
(9) Significant reduction in anxiety, stress, and depression symptoms
(10) Less fatigued due to improved heart function
(11) Less likely to easily sweat
(12) Less labored breathing
(13) Better sleep quality
We all lose focus sometimes or are looking for a starting point. This community is a wonderful tool for more than just friendships. We've all got a similar goal of improved health and each of us has a story to tell.
If it's been a long time since you've seen results or if you've fallen back on your plan... take that first little step towards your goal. It won't be long until you're back on your walk again.
