Getting over your "X"

I hear from so many people who are desperate to lose weight - but "just can't" because of "X."

"X" can be many things - bad back, bad knees (been there, done that) or "fat genes."

"X" could also be lack of support.

It is hard enough to live a healthy life, but to have everyone around saying, "You are fine the way you are, why bother?" makes getting healthy seem even more impossible!


"X" is that seemingly immovable boulder that blocks you from getting where you want to go.

Do you have an "X"? Maybe you have a few "X's" that hold you back from your weight loss success.

So how do you get over your "X"?

Here are the steps that really help you really think about your weight loss goals and how you will achieve them. :)


First - Make a list of the things that are "holding you back."

Get out a piece of paper and a pen or pencil and write down your "X's". You really need to write them with your own hand in order for this to work best.

Your "X's" should come to mind instantly, like:

• I can't say 'no' to mom's cooking


• I have fat genes


• I have bad knees


• I can't afford a gym membership


• I can't give up my junk food


• I don't have the support I need


• I can't stick with a diet

etc.....

Second - Sort your X's

Are there any "X's" that you truly just can't deal with? Go ahead and cross them out, leaving only the ones are you are willing to work at to make your life healthier! If you are unable to deal with an "X" because of your current living or financial situation - do not cross it off. If you will be able to deal with your "X"at any point in the future - leave it on your list!



Third - Making goals out of your "X's"

I am not sure what your list looks like at this point, but by now you know the things that are holding you back from a healthier life. You also know what you are willing to change in order to reach that ultimate goal of a healthy you! Think about how you can overcome these "X's" and turn those plans into goals!

Example:

• When at my mom's I will focus on my family and not the food. I can still eat her cooking, but I will not overeat or take seconds. (No matter how hard she tries.)


• Even though I have a genetic predisposition to store fat, I can still be the healthiest I can be with this body. I will not let my "fat genes" keep me in fat jeans!


• I can learn activities that do not aggravate my knees or back. I will use the Internet to find exercises I can try, and bookmark or print out the ones that work for me.


• I do not need to be in a gym in order to exercise. I can be active at home, or walking around my neighborhood. I will make an effort to find time when I can be active at home.


• I will limit my junk food and count the calories so I do not gain weight.


• I will find support on the Internet, at my church or workplace. I will find someone who will support and encourage me to be successful!


• I do not need to "diet." I just need to eat better. I will use a food journal to track my meals.

etc.....



Fourth - Plan your milestones and rewards

In order to stick with your new goals you need to have a "dangling carrot" to help lure yourself around that boulder!

Just like the story of "The Little Engine That Could" you must believe that you can do it in order to accomplish your goals!

"I-think-I-can! I-think-I-can!"

Keep track of your progress and reward yourself at set intervals. You need to reward yourself enough to stick with your healthy lifestyle, even though you will not notice the physical results until much later! You can do it!