That’s the overwhelming majority view of people who look back after their transformations, if they haven’t given up, lost heart or never achieved what they’ve set out to do in the first place.
The trouble is getting started in the first place can be so difficult. What is the trigger that needs to be set to get people to actually do something? I mean, no one wants to be overweight, or wants to feel unhealthy. Many have no desire to overhaul their nutrition and lifestyle, especially if they believe it’s healthy already! So many people suffer with chronic pain, arthritis, back pain, sleeplessness, low mood, or have been diagnosed with depression and anxiety or high blood pressure. So many of us are riddled with these lifestyle diseases in the modern world, even if we think we are healthy, follow the advice and look ok. Why is that?
We have lived with global uncertainty our whole lives. The last century was a lot tougher than this one. I think the last twenty years have made a massive difference to the convenience we now have available in our lives.
But the problem with how people feel about themselves has worsened. I think it is because of comparison. (FOMO). When we see other people achieve things we really want for ourselves, it can push us out of our comfort zones. It’s not fair that they have their ‘little secret’.
The uncertainty of the outcome can certainly hold people back from investing in a programme where they are set up to follow through and get what they want. It’s human nature to give up. It’s human nature to maintain the status quo but that keeps us stuck.
I understand how changing things up can be rather uncomfortable. Investing in ourselves or bragging about having achieved these amazing transformations is something we are taught not to do because nice people don’t brag. And responsible people spend money on their kids. It’s even socially acceptable to ‘invest’ in what we wear or holidays but not in health. Some people who have lost a lot of weight, after the initial jubilation are ashamed that they looked that way before. I think the achievement is to be celebrated with head held high!
Some successful weight loss and improved lifestyle outcomes include:
– positive impact on my mood and energy – especially chronic pain
– I surpassed my weight loss goals in lockdown and feel more confident than ever
– How I got healthy on furlough : I lost two stone and sleep better than ever
– What has really motivated me is how you feel with regular exercise and a healthier diet. How you look is just a bonus.
– I’m just so happy I can fit into my size 8 dresses again
– I only wished I’d done it ten years ago!
So there is a solution. If it works for other people, there is no reason why it can’t work for you. It absolutely is possible. Just set things up so you can’t give up. Make it so it works for you.
Is pain (physical and psychological pain) a symptom of our health? And do doctors have all the answers?
I think the medical profession – (the largest employer in Europe is the NHS) do a fabulous job.
But are they doing a dis-service by not having difficult conversations with patients who need to take proactive measures? I mean, diagnosing patients as overweight, advising them to taking more exercise, or incorporating more regular activity into their lives, taking time out to de-stress and have a holistic approach to health would all be so worthwhile.
By the time we end up going to the doctor’s office (or having a phone call or video conference call) things have often got so bad it is too late.)
What is the worst thing that could happen if doctors encouraged their patients to seek help outside of the NHS? (Some do but many don’t.) I understand they are trained in medicine and often prescription drugs and surgery are their tool kit. But there are a lot of other approaches (paid for by the patient not the taxpayer/NHS) that are available.
Some patients/people would get offended. Some people would get angry. Some would be in denial. Some would blame their problems on their genes. Some would get thoroughly depressed. That is because one thing we hate more than anything else is to feel judged. But instead of relying on the Doctor who has an esteemed position of trust and authority, consider the power each and every one of us has in our own hands when it comes to our health.
Health services are not all free. And it takes time to change. It takes considerable effort.
But at the end of pushing through all those feelings, is change. And most of all change in feelings.
Who wants to have less pain (physical and emotional)?
Who wants to have more energy?
Who wants to have more freedom?
Who wants to have more time?
Who just wants to feel more positive that their circumstances can improve?
We can foster our beliefs to accept that it is possible to get what we want. Change is not dependant on what other people do, or events that take place which are beyond our control.
I know I did this. I know my clients did too.
I also sadly know the young woman in hospital who died of cancer when I survived would have loved to have had that opportunity.
I would hate for you to have any regrets. Regrets fester. If something doesn’t work out, at least we tried. But if we don’t even give something a chance nothing will happen.
I feel so happy and I guess free in my mind that I decided to take control. I improved my health and started a business.
Helping others regain their health is incredible!
I want everyone to be as healthy and happy as is their right.
Take one piece of action today. You won’t regret it.