Friday, May 24, 2013

recipe for success?

When thinking about my goals and how to reach them, I find it inspiring to look at all the wonderfully successful people around me. I have a friend who recently reached her goal of shedding 40 pounds in 6 months (by exercising and eating healthy). I know so many people who have set out to loose weight but given up half-way through. So what made her succeed?

  • Positivity. She is in general a very happy, positive person. During the whole process she has focused more on the benefits of her changed lifestyle rather than the difficulties. I.e. she focused on how much better she felt, and looked, rather than on that ice-cream and chocolate she had given up, to reach her goal.
  • Goals. She set her self a clear goal, with smaller goals to celebrate along the way.
  • Babysteps. She didn't try to change all of her bad habits in a day or two. In the beginning she only focused on improving her eating habits. Then she gradually started exercising.
  • Resilience. Like most of us, she had her weak moments. The key to success is getting back on track rather than loosing oneself in self-pity and despair.
  • Role-model and/or support. One of her friends had recently succeeded in reaching a similar goal. This friend was both her role-model and support throughout the process.
  • Internal Drive. She was fed up, and wanted to loose weight for her own well being. I think this is essential and that it is difficult, perhaps almost impossible, to reach your goal if it is only motivated by what you think you should do.


Are there other factors that you consider important ingredients in the recipe for success?

Have a wonderful weekend! /Di.

2 comments:

  1. This pretty much sums it up for me! I lost 40 pounds and have generally kept it off for over 4 years now! All of the things you have listed are exactly what got me through!

    I would also add: ONLY focus on the fact that you are getting healthy. I never fretted about my actual weight. I never cared about my weight, I cared about getting healthy! In turn, it made me lose the weight,eventually. However, I was already satisfied that I had made a healthy lifestyle change!

    Also, sometimes you have to have a strong head and FORCE yourself to get to the gym or NOT eat that chocolate cookie! Having a strong head helps get you through moments of weakness!

    Anyway, it sounds like you've got a really great friend! :)

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    1. That is impressive Rosi! and thanks for the input. yes my friend is fabulous, I've known her for 24 years now! crazy :)

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