The Day I Became Serious About My Goals

The other night, I was recalling the day I became serious about my goals – in particular, my nutrition goals.

I was meeting my family at a restaurant where they have my favorite club sandwich that comes with a huge pile of hot, steamy, and salty fries on the side. I look forward to that club sandwich when I go there, however, I knew that I would have to cut back slowly. In other words, I was not yet in the place to order the salad at this point. I had to take baby steps in order to not feel deprived and throw in the towel on Day 1.

Accordingly, I ordered. “I’ll have the club sandwich, hold the mayo, and I’ll pass on the fries. Please don’t even put them on the plate.”

My food came out and lo and behold, there was my beautiful club sandwich, piled high with goodness and next to it, a big pile of fries. They forgot to leave them off the plate. Shoot. There I was with temptation staring me in the face. I was hungry. I wanted the fries. I had a choice. I could eat them and start my new lifestyle tomorrow, or I could refrain because I made a commitment to myself.

I decided not to touch them. In fact, I found that the club sandwich by itself was satisfying enough. I realized that I didn’t need the fries. I was just in the bad habit of eating them. I walked away feeling not only feeling healthier, but accomplished as well.

That day is burned into my memory because it was the day I took my first step toward being really serious about my goals. I had a pile of fries right in front of me, and I didn’t touch one, even though everyone else at the table was eating theirs. This was a huge feat for me. I felt capable. I felt powerful. I felt victorious.

I come across this with new clients. I ask them if they have had that defining moment – the moment when they told themself, “That’s it. I’ve had it. Today is the day. I know it’s going to be hard. I know I will make mistakes, but I’m willing to give it all I’ve got this time. There’s no turning back to my old ways. I’m ready to become a new person today.”

Maybe you haven’t had that day yet. If you have found yourself in and out of diets (and the gym), starting and stopping over and over again, but you want to have that defining moment, your day will come. The day will come when your “Why” is so strong and important to you, that quitting is not an option.

Don’t get me wrong–you will fall from time to time, but like a baby learning to walk, you are building new skills and new habits. Keep your “Why” close to your heart and aim to do your best on a daily basis. The results will come, along with the sense of pride and accomplishment.

What about you?  Have you had a defining moment yet?  If not, what do you think might be holding you back?  Please comment over on my Facebook page–I’d love to chat with you about it!

Kim