Hello beautiful Fit and Fabulous Floridians! First of all, I cannot start my article without acknowledging and expressing a great amount of sorrow for the passing of one of my “happy place” musicians/artists, Jimmy Buffet. If you live the Island Life, you know, “these changes in latitude, changes in attitude nothing remains quite the same. Through all of the islands and all of the highlands if we couldn’t laugh, we would all go insane.” (Jimmy Buffet).
Now, back to the task at hand, WHY is it so hard to lose weight, stay on track and accomplish goals? So many of us are in constant battle with ourselves to lose weight, eat healthy, and cut alcohol. But WHY can’t we? It’s your WHY.
We read articles, go to seminars, do self-improvement courses and are consistently tasked with “what is your WHY?” As a health and fitness professional for over 30 years I can tell you, your WHY is what will allow you to slide by and stay average or CRUSH those goals.
When we think of our WHY, it needs to have an emotional attachment to it. A raw, sincere, heartfelt emotion. For example: I had a person come to me who recently had a breakup with a significant other. Their WHY was, they wanted to get fit, eat healthy and look amazing. An obvious (if you have been through a breakup) strong, heartfelt, emotionally invoked WHY. This person has stuck to their goals and crushed them.
Another person I have worked with came to me, who was an older adult, had some health issues, was recovering from surgery and had been an extremely active athlete to this point, fishing, boating and traveling. This person is determined to be independent and care for their family… Again, a goal crusher. On the flip side, I have had people come to me and want to “look good/feel good.” The challenge with “look good/feel good,” is WHY? Is it intrinsically or extrinsically motivated? Why do you want to look good and is that a strong “Why”? Is there a medical reason behind your why invoking an emotion that will be strong enough to help you accomplish your goals? At the end of the day if you aren’t emotionally attached to your goal for whatever reason, it is going to be a challenge to stick to it.
A great way to find that emotional attachment is to envision how you will feel once you reach your goal. Picture yourself and what things you will be able to do if you were able to accomplish your goal. What things in your life will change and how? Why is that important to you? If you can put clear answers to these questions you can invoke those feelings necessary to stick to your plan and make positive changes in your life. And remember, stick to one thing at a time. Don’t overload yourself. Trying to do too many things at once when trying to lose weight or eat healthy will very likely derail your success.
In conclusion, if you are struggling with, or have struggled with being successful in losing weight, making lifestyle changes, or just accomplishing your goals, re-evaluate your “why.” Once you have come to an emotional, strong why, pick one thing and get started! YOU are amazing and can do anything you put your mind and heart to doing. Get out there and achieve your goals.
CAT Burke is the owner of GETCATFIT on Marco Island. She has over 30 years’ experience as a fitness professional, holds a BS in Kinesiology, is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, Nutrition Coach and Fitness Nutrition Specialist. CAT is also active in the natural bodybuilding industry as a professional athlete and judge. CAT may be reached at info@getcatfit.com. Website: www.getcatfit.com.
**CAT Burke is not a physician or registered dietitian. The contents of this article should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health problem - nor is it intended to replace the advice of a physician. Always consult your physician or qualified health professional on any matters regarding your health.**
