I love this quote by Bill Gates:
“If I’d had some set idea of a finish line, don’t you think I would have crossed it years ago?”
I differ from many weight loss experts since I’ve accomplished permanent weight loss. I learned my lessons down in the trenches, instead of in a book, and my experiences smashed many of the widely accepted tenets of weight loss.
First, I don’t believe in putting deadlines on weight loss. No one and nothing can tell you how long it will take your body to lose weight IF you’re losing weight permanently. Every body is different and most have been impacted by previous dieting. In fact, that’s the biggest factor in weight gain: previous dieting. Lots of previous dieting causes the body to be more sensitive metabolically and protect itself from too-rapid weight loss.
Getting frustrated with your body’s natural weight loss rate is one of the most common sabotage points, and can lead right back to rapid regain. I know – BTDT!
Another thing I’ve learned has to do with that quote. A finish line is part of temporary weight loss.
As in: Reach specific number – DONE! CELEBATE!
As in: Goal accomplished – now what?
As in: New life! Delete old life!
So, a finish line means you got there. Arrival. It’s done. It’s over. And while you can change yourself into a whole new physical person (one tiny bit at a time), it’s never over. Don’t misunderstand me. I don’t mean you’ll struggle forever. (Permanent weight loss does NOT involve struggle.) I don’t mean you’ll count and weigh and experience deprivation forever. Because those things are diet mentality and, eventually, we rebel against them.
What I’m talking about is growth. Learning. Being in life. Experience. Knowing yourself without the food haze. Honoring emotions. Taking good care of yourself – continually, every day, forever. Keeping your results and owning them completely.
That’s what this blog is dedicated to: tearing up the lease on temporary weight loss, and OWNING results.
Here’s the difference. Weight loss is just part of the journey. It’s never the ultimate destination. There is no finish line.
I love this Pat! And I wish I had known this back in 2006…when I lost 55 pounds, but didn’t lose 74 pounds, which was my “finish line.” Now I have no finish line and am doing better than ever…
Yes! So many time’s I didn’t get to the arbitrary finish line and threw it all away. The good thing is we did learn from it. I like to define things by personal energy or vitality so you can always have more energy and health… there’s never a finish line there.