I’ve wanted to lose weight and get stronger for a long time. I’ve even had past success in losing weight, but sadly gained it back. I have the desire to be better, so why did it take me so long to start?
Because the mind is a sassy, manipulative, evil child messing with you.
Or, at least MINE is.
Weight loss companies will lay out a detailed plan of what to eat, how much to eat, and when to eat. They’ll break down every calorie and carb and fat and sugar in everything near you. But they wont talk much about your mind. Not because they are hiding some secret or trying to avoid it. It’s just, the mind is complex, and evolving, and evil and out to get you.
Sorry, just talking about my mind again.
My point is this. The mind is different for everyone. And what motivates one, doesnt work on another. What drives one, repels another. And then, when you think you got it all worked out, the mind adjusts and you’re back to square one.
Finding a way to get myself mentally into a position to workout and eat healthier, and aim for a goal, has been harder than the actual weights I am lifting. I have had health scares that other people would immediately use as their spark for change. I have had emotional breakdowns that would push others to take a stand. I have even had days where I feel 100% ready to tackle the world, and the next day I’m on the couch, doom scrolling on my phone. No dumbbell to be seen.
I once took my daughter to an amusement park and waited in a long line for a Harry Potter ride, one she was super excited to ride. We finally got to the front of the line, she smiled and skipped to her seat. And that’s when I found out, my belly was too big and the latch for the ride couldn’t lock me in. And let me tell you, you haven’t been humbled until you have an amusement park worker standing over you trying to push your gut in while someone else tries to latch the seat belt, only to be told you have to exit the vehicle and cannot ride.
That happened to me two years ago. You’d think the next day I’d be in the gym, right?
Nope.
Our minds are tricky. But they are a muscle that needs to be worked out, just like anything else. For me, what has worked when normal things have been unable to motivate me, I find I have to manipulate my own mind. I have to give myself positive affirmations that I CAN do this. I have to go days, or even weeks, of mentally thinking to myself that I am ready for the journey. I trick my brain by reading articles online of the mental battle obesity brings. I study workout routines and diets and read success stories.
And then, hopefully, one day I wake up and my brain is fooled and says to me “brain holder? I think it’s time you get into shape. I just thought of this, just right now, all on my own. So go be healthy.”
And then I’m off to the races.
That’s where I am at now. My brain is willing. My heart is willing. It took longer than I would have liked but hey, I’m here now. I know what I want.
And knowing is half the battle. YO JOE!
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