Changing Mindset for Success
Shifting Mindsets for Success
About 5 years ago, a Facebook friend of mine (who shall remain nameless unless they say otherwise) played a pivotal role in changing my life. Each week, she'd share her weekly progress on her weight loss journey. Her determination impressed me so much that I decided to reach out to her through a direct message, curious about her approach. To my surprise, she promptly responded and revealed that her secret weapon was attending a strength training bootcamp four days a week. Strangely enough, this bootcamp was right around the corner from my previous residence. The irony! I had to move to discover a fitness haven just around the block from my old place (but I digress!). I reached out to the trainer and began my journey the following week. That marked the commencement of my transformation and weight loss journey. On May 21, 2018, I stepped on the scale and registered a weight of 219 pounds.
Setting Goals (My Approach to Weight Loss Goal-Setting)
Deciding to embark on a weight loss journey can be daunting. It's not just about shedding pounds; it's a profound shift in mindset. So, I started with the fundamentals. I scheduled a checkup with my doctor to assess my health status. At the time, I was taking blood pressure medication, and I was determined to free myself from it. That became my initial goal, and to reach it, I had to figure out what it would entail, what support I would need, and how I could ensure my success.
Resources and Tools for Success
Like many, I scoured the internet for guidance on successful weight loss. That's when I stumbled upon Zig Ziglar's legendary goal-setting videos on YouTube. They proved instrumental in helping me map out my path to success. To achieve my weight loss goals, I needed to:
Clearly define my objectives.
Set a deadline.
Identify the obstacles I'd encounter along the way.
Consider the benefits of achieving my goals.
List the skills I'd need to develop.
Craft a detailed action plan.
Setting Deadlines for Goals
Initially, I aimed to lose 30 pounds in approximately six months. I was admittedly apprehensive, but I knew I had to begin somewhere. So, I set a monthly target of shedding 5 pounds, which felt attainable. Remarkably, I surpassed this goal, losing a whopping 60 pounds in just eight months! My journey, fueled by bootcamp workouts and a proper diet, transformed my life to the point where I no longer required blood pressure medication.
Changing Habits (Inspired by "Atomic Habits")
I was well aware that my daily habits needed a makeover. You often hear about the importance of drinking water and eating healthily, but I was unsure how to incorporate these changes into my life at my heaviest weight. To prepare myself for daily workouts, I started listening to motivational videos during my car rides to the gym. It was a game-changer and primed me for each workout.
Seeking Grace for Health Victory
Atomic Habits: Author James Clear
I had carried excess weight for years, nearly half my life if I'm honest. While content with many aspects of my life, I was dissatisfied with my physical health. I turned to prayer, asking God to guide me toward a path that would allow me to fully embrace and enjoy life. I craved more energy to spend with my husband and son, to work on personal projects, and to simply feel comfortable and beautiful in my own skin. I prayed for strength for the journey ahead, for new friendships and support I didn't even realize I needed, and for a newfound confidence to tackle all that lay ahead. Remarkably, my prayers were answered on all fronts.
Key Takeaways
Start with your mindset - Decide that you're ready for a change today.
Prepare for the journey - Identify the actionable steps you need to initiate your transformation.
What do you desire? - Determine your goals. Do you aim to lose weight, tone up, eliminate medication, improve your skin, or gain more energy for your family?
Conversation Starters
Where are you in your journey? Are you just starting out, or have you already made progress on your goals?
What habits are you looking to change? I recommend reading "Atomic Habits" by James Clear to get started.
What do you desire, and how determined are you to achieve it? Clarity about your goals, commitment, and dedication will pave the way for your success.
Provide a call to action for the following: Key Takeaways Start with your mindset - Decide that you're ready for a change today. Prepare for the journey - Identify the actionable steps you need to initiate your transformation. What do you desire? - Determine your goals. Do you aim to lose weight, tone up, eliminate medication, improve your skin, or gain more energy for your family? Conversation Starters Where are you in your journey? Are you just starting out, or have you already made progress on your goals? What habits are you looking to change? I recommend reading "Atomic Habits" by James Clear to get started. What do you desire, and how determined are you to achieve it? Clarity about your goals, commitment, and dedication will pave the way for your success.
Disclaimer: The content in this blog was generated with the assistance of AI, and while efforts have been made to ensure accuracy it should not be considered a substitute for professional advice.
