After the interview I started thinking about how relevant 'Make A Promise Day' is for those struggling to lose weight, get in shape and feel better about themselves. I know what that struggle is like, because I've been there. For any of you who have been known to jump from diet to diet only to lose the weight and then gain it all back again, the problem is that somewhere along the line you lose sight of your focus, motivation and commitment. Something throws you off track and next thing you know you're right back into your old habits.
What I learned in my weight loss journey was that all the jumping from diet to diet, searching for that magic solution that would give me the fastest and easiest results, was nothing more than a waste of time and money. What promised to be fast and easy was really only slower and harder over the course of time.
If you're stuck in trying those Quick Fix solutions without getting the lasting results you so desire, then why not break the cycle like I did? What is the first step?
The first step is to make a promise.
HOW TO MAKE A PROMISE
Typically when we want to lose weight, get in shape and improve our lifestyle, we set very rigid goals and deadlines. I hear people say things like "I want to lose 50 lbs by my 50th birthday" or "I want to fit into a size 6 dress by my wedding day." The problem with setting rigid goals and deadlines like these is that they are often unrealistic and unforgiving.
As Matthew said in my interview with him, there is a difference between setting goals and making a promise. He said that with goals, "there is no emotional attachment" the same way as when you make a promise. He reminded me of what my mother always used to say, "A promise is a promise." What she meant is that when you make a promise to someone, you have to follow through. If you do not follow through on your promise, you are compromising your own integrity and trust with that person. Just think of a time when someone made a promise to you and did not follow through. How did it make you feel about that person? Next time they promise to do something for you, will you believe in them? So just imagine what this means when you make a promise to yourself.
In order to make a promise to yourself and honour that promise, especially when it it to lose weight, get in shape and feel better about yourself, you really need to put some thought into it. You need to look at HOW you're making that promise.
Here are some PROMISE MAKING CRITERIA to consider:
- Ask yourself WHY you are making this promise?
- What outcomes are you hoping to achieve?
- Who else is this going to impact? For example, if you are taking better care of yourself and feeling better, then it can have a direct impact on your partner and children. When you feel better about yourself, you are in a better position to have healthier relationships with others.
- When you think of who else this is going to impact, you could also make a promise directly to them so you are held accountable. You can explain to them exactly what you need from them that will help you the most. You may need to teach them what kind of support you need and how they can best supply it.
- Do I have enough time to to do what I'm promising? For example, if you promise to cook healthier meals from scratch daily and go to the gym 5 times a week, is this realistic? If not, then you'll have to look at what changes you need to make in your daily activities in order to fulfill this promise. You may need to delegate certain activities, or look at how you are prioritizing your time in order to have more time for better self-care. Before you make promises to yourself or others, look at what needs to happen in order to keep your promise and be sure you are prepared to make those changes. If not, then don't make a promise you can't keep. Remember that your integrity and trust within yourself is as important as the integrity and trust you show to others.
- Is the desired outcome important enough to me at this time to make this promise? If you're not fully committed to your promise and your heart is not fully in it, then maybe it's not the right time to make that promise. If you're going to make the promise, be sure it is important enough to you that you will honour it.
- Do I have everything I need to fulfill my promise? Do I already have all the knowledge and expertise I require? Or, do I need to reach out for additional help and support? It is important to be fully honest with yourself. If you have made similar promises in the past and were unable to fulfill them on your own, remember that there is no shame in asking for help.
May 4th is 'Make A Promise Day'. I encourage you to learn more at http://www.makeapromiseday.com/ and start thinking of what promises you can make to yourself to take better care of your health, weight and well-being. Remember to ask yourself the questions above and really reflect on your Promise and what it means to you BEFORE you make it.
As a cancer survivor who has also overcome my own struggles with food, weight and lifestyle obstacles, I have helped many others overcome their similar health and life challenges. If you think you can benefit from additional help and support in overcoming your weight, health and lifestyle challenges, then I invite you to learn more about my A List Weight Loss Programs by going to http://www.roslynfranken.com/.
For my interview with 'Make A Promise Day' founder, Matthew Cossolotto, go to http://www.howtothriveafter35talkradio.com/
