The journey continues with Part II of Business Lessons I Learned From Dieting. Last blog I talked about the first steps in creating a vision and a goal and how to measure these as you go along on your journey in finding success in business and dieting. Read on to see what else I have learned on my journey.
Expect set backs.
On my journey, there were several times I stepped on the scale only to discover that I had gained a pound or two. These are the times I could have easily become discouraged and quit. Obviously the body is more complex than simple input and output. Business is just as complex. We may be doing all of the right things, but not seeing any result or improvement. This doesn’t mean we should stop the analysis, but don’t get discouraged and quit at the first negative measurement.
Don’t lie to yourself.
When I log my calories or exercise, I am occasionally tempted to not log a particularly rich food item, or increase the amount of time I had exercised, which would certainly make me look good on paper. However, the reality is I wouldn’t lose the weight and would only be hurting myself. If you are lying to yourself, others will eventually notice the reality. Be just as honest about where your business stands and how well you are working toward and attaining your goals.
Don’t blindly follow the experts.
I don’t know about you, but I have seen my fair share of overweight dieticians or nutritionists giving advice on how to lose weight. Or the doctor who reeked of cigarette smoke while telling folks to quit smoking (although blindly following this expert’s advice is still a good idea). Just because someone hangs out a shingle doesn’t necessarily mean he or she is giving you the best advice. Evaluate your consultants, coaches and mentors. Do they practice what they preach? Have they achieved success doing what they are telling you to do?
You will encounter barriers.
Part of my exercise plan was riding my bike three times a week for 8 to 10 miles, and I was able to do this until mid December before we got snow. I’m certain that this was helping my weight loss and in general improving my health. Throughout the rest of the winter I have tried alternative methods, using our Wii Fit and a treadmill in the house, but I haven’t achieved the same results. Now that spring has arrived, I’m looking forward to getting the bike out and riding again. What do you do when you encounter barriers in your business? Are you able to find alternatives?
Hitting the dreaded plateau.
Anyone who has ever tried a diet has hit a plateau, and it can be very discouraging. You are still doing everything the same as usual but it is no longer working. Change something! Remember that the definition of insanity is doing what you have always done and expecting different results.
I hit the 40-pound milestone today. I have 26 more pounds to go to reach my vision. I have established milestones for when my weight goes under 200 pounds: 196 will be 50 pounds, 186 will be 60 pounds and then – woo-hoo! 180! I intend to be at my goal weight by August of this year, one year from when I started, with an average loss of 5½ pounds per month. Best wishes for your diet or your business.
Alright, I’m talkin about celery.. most of us have heard that it takes more calories to eat it then it gives.. So does this mean it will not only be like me not eating the celery but also burn calories from other meals?. . Would that make it a great snack food to have then for when ever im craving food?. . I’m not talkin a celery only diet. Also do any of you know of any other negative calorie foods?. So if not for burning calories it would be a great food to fight off cravings..
Comment by MartineI — December 8, 2011 @ 6:53 pm