The first thing I do with any prospective client is ask them what they’d like to accomplish with their training. After all, if I don’t know what they want to do how can I help them? It’s like giving directions to someone when you don’t know where they’re trying to go. Almost always the first answer is “lose weight”. It’s really almost reflexive at this point. Kind of like when you’re looking around in a store and the clerk asks, “Can I help you?” Without even thinking, the usual response is “No. Just looking.”
The funny thing is that no one really wants to lose weight. Losing weight is boring. Losing weight requires a bunch of work and forces you to make hard changes for nothing except a number. Who cares about that? I can adjust a scale down ten or 20 pounds just by turning a dial and you’ll see the number you want. Big deal.
I know what you’re saying. Adjusting the scale down might change the number but it won’t help me fit into this outfit! It won’t help me look the way I want! It won’t help me get off this medication!
You know what? You’re right! But here’s the thing: You don’t really want to lose weight. You want to fit into that outfit, look the way you want and get off your darn medication! Can you see the difference? It might seem small but it’s actually downright HUGE! After all, when you have a tough day and you just feel like picking up a pizza on the way home instead of sticking to your nutrition plan what mental picture is more likely to keep you on track: you standing on a scale or you fitting into that outfit and looking super hot?
I see it all the time with people. The ones who know WHY they want to lose weight (or accomplish any other goal for that matter) have much better success then the ones who don’t.
Here’s what I suggest. When you’re thinking about your goals always go as deep as you can. Here’s an example:
I’d like to lose weight. Why? Because I want to look better. Why? Because I’d like to be more attractive to my partner. Why? Because I want to do everything I can to make our relationship work. Why? Because I love them and it’s important to me and my family.
OK. Do you see what happened there? We went from just losing weight to doing something important for their family. What do you think resonates more?
I know this is hard work. But the thing is that when you start something you’re always excited. You see the future. You see the possibilities. You feel hopeful and optimistic. But let’s fast-forward a couple of weeks. At this point the fact that to get the results you want is somewhat of a tedious process. It’s not sexy to do some of the things you need to do to get results. It requires consistency above all, and how exciting is that? Not very.
Do you want to know what is sexy and exciting, though? Fitting into that outfit! Looking the way you want! Getting off that medication! Keep those things in mind and you’re going to find that all the motivation you need is already in you.
Mitch Rothbardt, CPT, PN Lean Eating Coach, FMS
2861 Grove Way in Castro Valley
510-754-7113
I Help People Discover Their Strength!
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