“Are you seriously want to lose weight? Trying to lose weight?” That was the subject line in an email I recently received. I suspected it was spam (you think?), so I didn’t open it. I am a bit curious, however, what this presumably overseas purveyor of snake oil was trying to sell—if indeed it was a legitimate advertisement and not some nefarious computer worm. I don’t even count anymore the quick success schemes that cross my computer screen. I am pretty quick to ignore, because I can smell bullsh** from a mile away.
Don’t be sucked in. If your “are seriously want to” lose weight, gain muscle mass, be healthy, etc. “Embrace the suck.” Don’t look for the shortcut or hack. Don’t expect there to be a miracle pill or powder. Don’t believe that the path to success is some secret that only an elite few with a credit card who watched a video know. Take the proven path—albeit the road less taken.
Success required simplicity, conviction, commitment, and consistency. Keep the plan simple and execute it. Even a poor plan well-executed is better than a great plan poorly executed. Anything is better than gimmicks.
Start with the goal. Plan. Take the first step. Most importantly, have a plan beyond reaching the goal. If, for example, the goal is to lose 20 pounds, have a plan to maintain the fat loss after the “diet” (i.e., hypocaloric cut phase) ends. Thinks long-term rather than short-term.
If you are serious about losing weight, be prepared to be in it for the long-haul. Don’t look for the quick fix. Look for the right fix. Trust me, it won’t come in a spam email. Seek knowledgeable help and support. Take the first step, and then the second, and…. Baby steps!
If you are serious about wanting to lose weight, take a very serious look at your lifestyle and know that you are going to have to make some serious and permanent changes. Fortunately, they will be a series of more subtle changes than grand changes (at least if you want to avoid relapse). Any change that cannot become permanent will not have a lasting effect. So, fad diets and quick-fixes should be off the table.
“Are you seriously want to lose weight?” Seek counsel in professionals who can ask the right grammatically-correct questions and develop a plan that is right for you. Seek the support of people who want to help you and not profit from you. Above all, let your serious desire lead to serious action.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!