MTT

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Thursday's Thoughts - Dedication, Do You Have It?

Can I be real with you all? Can I be honest and direct? If not, then you may not want to continue reading. 

But if you can handle a little boldness, and some things for you to think about and reflect on, then continue reading...

So every week, I too go through highs and lows; we all have them. We have our good days and our bad days. While I feel like I am in shape and the healthiest I've ever been, my fitness and nutrition is a daily conscience effort on my part to be consistent and maintain what I've worked on for the past three years. In addition to my own ups and downs, I also get to feel and experience the highs and lows of my clients. I swear it makes me feel bi-polar sometimes...and today is the PERFECT example of what I mean!

I conduct weekly weigh-ins with each client. It’s always on the same day of the week and typically the same time of the day for consistency purposes. The average female will lose 1-3 lbs. per week while working out with me; in addition most of them are also on The Challenge as well.

With each weigh-in, I hold my breath until the number comes up on the scale...at which point we will both be elated with the results or feel slightly deflated if the person didn't hit their goal or gain weight (yes, that happens).   If the scale shows a less than positive result, I have a decision to make as to whether to be the Jillian Michaels trainer and have a frank conversation with the client, or be the "you can do this - just a minor set-back" cheerleader type of trainer.

So back to today, the first person I weighed in lost another 2.5 lbs.; she consistently loses 1-2.5 lbs. a week and in her 10 weeks with me, she's lost just under 20 lbs.!  However the next person to weigh in, who has trained with me the same amount of time (approximately 10 weeks), has lost only 6 lbs.; she has yo-yoed on the scale each week.

The first person was so happy; this 46 year old mom of three jumped up and down, screaming with joy "I can't believe I lost again, I can't believe I lost again!"  Her joy and the smile on her face made me feel so proud and giddy myself, it literally brought a tear to my eye.  Her surprise at her own success and her happiness with the results is why I do what I do!

Then when the second person came in and she didn't lose any weight - again this week - my heart just broke for her; she seemed so defeated. (I've already written about failures and set-backs so I won't touch on that one here again).

What’s the difference?  It’s simple - pure dedication and hard work to achieve the goal. I'm not saying that client #2 isn't dedicated, because she is: she consistently shows up to our sessions, she works hard while she is there and I know she does put forth some effort when she's not with me. However, she could be doing more; I know it...but more importantly, I know she knows it. So why isn't she going all out and all in to get to her goal? Only she knows.

There are 168 hours in a week.
My clients are with me 2 hours of that week.
Dedication and commitment have to be self-imposed the other 166 hours!

Look, if you have a goal you have to have laser focus!  You can't deter from the plan, you cannot cheat, you cannot veer off course...IF you are committed and dedicated to your goal. If you are ok with the occasional set-backs and having to overcome the obstacles that are self-imposed, then that's fine, just know that they are self-imposed.

If you have a goal (ie: lose 20 lbs. by the end of the year), then you need a plan, a deadline and laser focus. You need to have the attitude that nothing will stop you and while we have all learned that failures are inevitable, that doesn't mean that you shouldn't try to avoid failures at all costs! 

Bottom line, and here's the question you need to ask yourself - are you committed to your goal? Are you willing to sacrifice blood, sweat and tears? Are you willing to do what it takes to hit a weight loss or activity goal? You may just have to count calories and watch your macros; you may have to hit the gym every day for a 1000 calorie burn. You might have to give up Sunday-Funday nachos and beer (my own personal favorites). Do you have to give them up forever?, of course not.


What's your goal and what’s your deadline? I'm dedicated to help you - are you dedicated yourself?


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