Trying...

I wrote a post for Weight Watchers and it seemed to resonate with quite a few members (it ended up 'trending'). It discusses the idea of 'trying': moving forward, no matter how slowly, trying instead of doing nothing, and refusing to quit because of challenges along the way. I wrote it as much for myself as anyone reading and I love that it was so well received. Some wonderful comments were left for me and it made my day to think I may have inspired someone to keep going, to not give up, and to feel good about even trying...because you can't succeed if you don't even try.

While the post was written with a specific reference to losing weight, I thought about it afterwards (while I was on the treadmill where so much of my contemplation and reflection occur) and realized that the sentiments are actually my personal philosophy about life in general. I have always been a problem solver, proactive in my pursuits, and a firm believer that if it isn't working, fix it. I do not believe in a fatalistic life and feel I make things happen for myself. If I want something I work at getting it, systematically planning how I will achieve the goal. While it is obvious that external forces, circumstances, and pressures can play a role in altering plans and timelines, (that is life, after all), ultimately I think personal responsibility is paramount to any successful outcome. It will take time, we can't be perfect, and we need to learn from our mistakes but moving forward is always a better option than going back or staying in place.

So the takeaway from the post can apply to personal growth, work advancement, relationships, learning, hobbies, health, or any other worthwhile goal in life: don't give up! What good does doing nothing do? You'll gain nothing by doing nothing...and anything is better than nothing. If you want it, make it happen. And yes, I am only the expert of myself and these are simply my opinions for my own life...I'm just sharing.

Here is an edited version of the original post (names and weights removed to protect myself the innocent!)...

I have read many posts about struggling, starting over, long weekend challenges, and stumbles. I can relate to all those topics! What I wanted to say, to myself and everyone reading this, is hang in there. AT LEAST YOU'RE TRYING!

With every glass of water you drink, every serving of fruit you choose instead of 'x', every step you add to your daily tally, each meal you track and every negative thought you replace....you ARE making a difference. You are doing SOMETHING. That's a whole lot more than nothing. Quitting, giving up, going back to the old way...that will get you NOWHERE. Or worse.

If you always do what you always did, you'll always get what you always got.

That is my favorite quote from my early days in WW. I've been LT since '99. Up and down, on plan and not, but always a WW. Small habits kept me from gaining back the all the weight. Focusing let me lose the pounds I'd gain over a few years. It was enough to keep me AWARE and get back on track. I feel amazing and healthy.

So PLEASE DON'T GIVE UP! Please don't quit. Yes, it costs money, yes, it's a drag we have to be mindful, yes, it seems unfair sometimes. But this is our LIFE, our HEALTH, and we NEED to do it. Doing nothing will get you nothing. Doing ANYTHING is better than that! Some days won't be perfect, some days will be just going through the motions...but going forward...not back.

Have a good day my friends. You mean so much to me. I'm trying today.I'm measuring and tracking and drinking water, water, water. I'm walking and thinking positive thoughts. I'm being a Weight Watcher 💕

Comments

[Lise]

Great post!!!