I'm fond of food. Okay, more than fond. In fact, for decades I've had an eating disorder. It started at the age of nine. This post is not about what happened, but what I finally did about it. This is the time of year when we stop and reflect on issues and challenges then make New Year resolutions. I started 2012 with just a glimmer of an idea as to what I might accomplish. As I look back I realize I didn't really believe in my goal. As you pause to mark this end of year milestone I'd like to share my experience, in the hope you might find it useful.

For years the phrase, "Are you going to finish that?" was more than a joke, it was a way of life. Carrying around 240 lbs had become my daily workout. It had become normal, even though it was killing me slowly. I was fun to be around because, well, I was round. This year my life and lifestyle hit me in the face, and I realized I needed to do more than 'lose a few pounds". From the front end, it looked like it was going to take some dieting, painful sweaty workouts and lots of sacrifice. Boy was I wrong. The work was easy (I started with the pink weights). Lifting my mental expectations was the real workout.

All I Did Was Start

• I placed a label on my bathroom scale with my goal weight.
• I stopped each day and reflected on what the change would do for me.
• I took it very, very slow.
• I got professional help with both fitness and diet. I made a commitment to no one but myself, for myself.

As I look back over the year certain key factors emerge that explain why I was able to complete the task on time.

• Document the Goal - The label on the scale kept me pointed in the right direction.
• Know why It's Important - I needed to prove to myself that I could take control of some part of my life.
• Do it for the Right Reasons - No mid-life crisis, just start training to get ready for chapter two of my life.
• Gather Resources - If you haven't been successful by yourself, get help from professionals. I'm a member of Body Dynamics
• Change Your Environment - if showing up is 80% of life, showing up at the gym is 100% of my success.
• Inch by Inch, life is a Cinch - I chose a one year time frame to make sure it would stick.

I started 2012 at 240 lbs and ended at 210. I added muscle, endurance and confidence. I can defy gravity, endure pain, remain calm, and finally, be in control of an important part of my life.

Insight

I now realize I not only had the power, I had the responsibility to take control of this part of my life. Time to change that sticker on the scale. Happy New Year everyone!