I often wondered why I could reduce my weight and never keep it off. I understand the concept of a set point and how the body works to get you back to your previous weight. However, there had to be a way to overcome that. Furthermore, I often wondered how I could profess to value health and yet my actions consistently contradicted what I valued. As I investigated the psychology and neurological basis for change, I realized where I was consistently getting tripped up.

CONTRARY TO POPULAR BELIEF

Reducing your weight is easy, but it is not simple. Sure, there will always be outliers, people who could simply lose weight without batting an eye. However, there will be others like me, who struggle to achieve sustainable weight reduction. Weight reduction is more complex than I ever imagined and that is because many do not realize the numerous factors that come into play. More important, many do not understand or know about the psychology, neurology, and physiology of weight reduction. However, know that you can reduce your weight and keep it off when you create a strategy specific to your needs.

WHAT COMES FIRST, THE CHICKEN OR THE EGG?

What comes first, peace of mind or weight reduction? I propose that you must address your internal conflict first if you desire to effect external change, like weight reduction, improving the quality of your life, or changing your financial situation. I do not know why it took me decades to figure this out; however, I know that this was a part of my journey. There were lessons I needed to learn to be a better coach and leader. It was a humbling experience and many times I almost gave up in frustration. Yet, it was realizing that there were lessons I had not yet learned, that inspired me to keep persevering.

YOU CANNOT STAY IN YOUR COMFORT ZONE

I know that we love our comfort zone, even when there is less and less comfort with each passing day. I also recognize that there is an emotion that you have not yet confronted that keeps you trapped in that comfort zone. However, at some point you must come to the realization that what you want can only be achieved once you step outside that comfort zone. Sure, there will be the initial discomfort; however, when you start reaping the positive benefits of change, you will quickly get over that initial discomfort. Furthermore, there will be a complete shift in your perspective and that is when you will finally realize you cannot go back to mediocrity. You cannot go back to settling for less than your best. I take it a step further though, as a child of God, you can no longer allow fear to control you.

HOW WE GAIN STRENGTH TO PERSEVERE

You find a way to make it a MUST. When I wanted to become a physician, I was never derailed from my focus. I persevered despite the numerous obstacles because not becoming a physician was not an option.

These are some guidelines that you can use when you create your strategy:

• you must know and have compelling reasons
• your values and beliefs must align with your goal if you want to successfully achieve that goal
• you must master your state in every moment
• change the meaning that you give to life events
• shift your focus to what empowers you  
• trust in the power within you to strengthen you to consistently choose to act from a state of gratitude, truth, and love