This list is something I’ve come up with, based on my own personal experience, and also observation of what my clients experience. I hope you take the time to read this - ‘cos you just might never be the same again after you do.
Seven Virtues for Successful Weight Loss
1. Conviction
You need to come to realize that something needs to be done about your body and your health. You need to be ‘convicted’, on your own, that you have let things go for too long, and that it is now time to do something about it. If you are exercising because you are forced to by a loved one, there’s only so long you will last before you give up again. I have, on few occasions, rejected clients who signed me up for a loved one who showed absolutely no interest to exercise.
2. Zeal
This simply means eagerness/excessive fervor/tireless devotion - You should not only want to transform your physique, but you need to love the process and want to do it BADLY – for this will be your ‘driving force’ that keeps you going.
3. Externally Focused
On top of doing this for yourself, you must want to do it for your loved ones. Do you want to burden your family with worry, inconvenience, medical bills, or having to deal with your loss if you die prematurely due to your poor lifestyle habits? You need to look beyond your needs, and not be selfish. Think about it, and list down how you think being unhealthy can affect those around you… you’ll be surprised.
4. Knowledge
Besides being super-driven to do the right thing, you also need to be equipped with the knowledge on doing it properly. How much exercise is too much? How much is enough? You should be doing a combination of strength training AND cardio – this, on top of watching what you eat. Engaging a certified personal trainer can be the best way to start on the right track, and ensure you’re making continuous progress while being safe and effective.
5. Embrace Change
You will need to realize and accept the fact that some things are going to have to change. Recognise that it was the poor lifestyle habits and choices that got you in this mess right now, so it is definitely going to take some sacrifices to undo all the damage that has been done. You should be prepared to step out of your comfort zone and be willing to make better choices in what you eat, and how you do life every day.
6. Self-control
This is probably what got most of us in this mess in the first place. They say that old habits die hard… and I’d like to add on that though it will be hard – the habits DO die. Beyond the physical activity that you will be gradually adding, you will need to be prepared to do ‘battle’ with your desires to overeat, or to be lazy and skip your workouts. When you are faced with something you shouldn’t eat, you need to be able to resist the temptation to indulge at that moment (you can save your indulging for a separate ‘reward’ day). Often, the best way to overcome temptation is to ‘flee’ – and not sit there and ponder over the food you are trying so hard to resist. Better still, try not to get yourself in that situation – for example, get rid of the junk food that’s in your house – if you don’t see it, you won’t eat it.
7. Perseverance
Never give up. I’ve seen too many people who give up just at the very point they are about to make that breakthrough. Statistics show that 50% of people who start an exercise program will drop out within the first 6 months. DON’T be that 50%. Stick through it, and you will be so glad you did. Get a workout buddy, or be accountable to someone who will help see you through your struggles – the victory will be sweet, I promise.
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So now you know… that it does actually take a bit more than just being at the gym for an hour to see the results you desire. There are many things at play here, and as human beings, we have emotions, wants, desires, busyness, etc that we all struggle with it.
With all that being said, you can, and will succeed if only you take conscious steps to attain what I’d like to call the 7 Virtues for Successful Weight Loss. I also think it serves as a guide to daily living and in keeping the weight off permanently.
If you are struggling with your weight but have been putting it off for too long now, I pray that this blog post will cause you much unrest that you finally make an effort to do something about your weight right now, wherever you may be in this world. May your life never be the same again.
Fitness is a Lifestyle, not a Diet.
DM
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Dear DM,
On no. 4, how do we differentiate the diamonds from the chaff in certified personal trainers? Diamonds hardly come cheap…
Thank you.
Great post! Out of all the virtues you have listed here, I think that perseverance and self control are the most difficult for people to tame. For some reason most people can get to the gym and grind through a workout session with regularity, but when their alone at night at home…will they have the self control to not pig out when no one is watching?
Khoo: Not always - ask around. In the health clubs too, ask around for a recommendation rather than having to ‘accept’ the trainer who gave you the free trial/session. Just like how you’d do your research + test drive a car before you decide to buy… the same goes for a trainer, in my opinion.
Nick: Indeed they are. Even the best athletes would struggle with those… we’re all only human. Thanks for the feedback.
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