Friend of Julie: Out of Focus

Out of Focus

Posted by Theresa on January 23, 2016 10 comments

Do you have things distracting you and taking your focus away from your weight loss journey? Life is about more than achieving this one goal, but in order to reach our goal size, we must keep this goal in focus. I know this because I lost my focus.

Is your weight loss journey out of focus?

I lost my focus a few months ago and I find myself in a place I've never been before: off-program and all my clothes are tight.

At first it was just one sugary thing. A month later another. Over the holidays I went off completely. I was back on program for a few weeks and feeling great once again. Then BOOM! I went off program once more.

I'd forgotten about the vicious circle of self-promises to start again "tomorrow" and how that day doesn't come. After a night of indigestion, I wake up in the morning feeling lousy. The whole nine yards of physical issues that come with eating poorly are once again in my life. Some days I'm able to use feeling that way to get me through the day and I'm good for a week or so, but then I'm back in the infamous loop once more.

I have not felt this way for five years and I've been beside myself with what to do.

Sigh.

Julie warned us this could happen. We discover we can "get away" with eating one thing, so we have a little more. We get away with that for a while too. Then one day, our "get of of jail" card expires with no notice. Suddenly we feel out of control with our food and our clothes are tight.

That's exactly how it happened to me. Of course, it didn't happen to me, this was all my choice. My behavior was equivalent to a when child learns the stove is hot and they know not to touch it again because they'll be hurt—I kept touching the stove—I chose to become numb the pain.

I don't want to be numb a moment longer.

This morning I realized I have been focusing more on what I'm doing wrong instead of what I'm doing right. I need to flip this equation around. I need to find my focus again and the only way to do this is to stop going numb; I must stop burning myself.

Today I began my day reading motivational articles to help me sharpen my focus. This morning I'll spend time in meditation and reflective writing, daily habits that I stopped when I went on vacation. Reflecting and learning encourage me stay focused on my goal.

I read an article this morning about motivation, If You Commit to Nothing, You’ll Be Distracted by Everything. The title of the article is inspiring and these words resonated with me:

"Never give up on a dream just because of the length of time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway." —H. Jackson Brown

I've been at this dream of reaching my goal size for five years and the reminder that time will pass anyway is exactly what I needed to hear today. The Serena Williams quote (below) also came at a good time for me.

I've allowed myself to be distracted by many things and in the process, I've lost my focus. Today I remove those distractions and regain my focus.

What about you? What's distracting you? Is it time to refocus and return to your weight loss journey? Today is a perfect time to find your focus.

It's not about how you win. It's about how well
you're able to come back when you're down.
—Serena Williams; Source: Master Class

10 comments:

Martine1/23/2016
Great "entry", I know it has helped with my "mindset"......You are a great motivator, it's a gift,Theresa!!
Unknown1/23/2016
Good for you realizing that focusing on what you were doing wrong was the opposite of what you needed to do. In the end it's all about Free Will. You can have that cupcake or not. It's your choice. If you choose no cupcake, your body will be happy and it will reward you. There is nothing you have to do, and nothing you can't do. Just the things you want to do.
Anonymous1/23/2016
Good thoughts, Theresa and great photos. Timely "heads up" to me today. I'm not where I want to be and a goal reset is needed. Focus indeed!
PGS3001/26/2016
I couldn't stay on track if I didn't re read your blog from your starting point. I have received so much hope from your writings. Take a peek at what you wrote and how far you have come! I couldnt do it without you! Paula
Momomig1/30/2016
Congratulations, Theresa! I mean this sincerely. You have discovered something wonderful about yourself! You CAN do maintenance! From what I remember from the sessions, maintenance is simply a process of learning how much of certain things you can eat and going back on program as soon as your clothing becomes tight. You recognized the problem and dealt with it. Good for you. And now you needn't worry that once you reach your goal you will not know how to stay on track. You practiced, you were tested, and you passed the test. Perhaps you did this a bit before you reached your ultimate goal, but maybe you should see this as a victory in itself.

You will recall that I posted a while back about regaining all the weight. Clearly, I flunked maintenance - I just ignored the clothing getting tighter and tighter. Believe me, I will be more vigilant the next time.

Keep on keeping on!

Paula