Still Contract

I've lost a lot of weight, 170 pounds to be exact. I don't claim to be supernatural or anything. I know, I know. All this time you've been thinking I possessed some kind of supernatural powers. The truth is, anyone can do it. It's really just a matter of setting your mind to it. But there's the rub -- the hardest part is setting your mind to it.

For me, I was forced into this period of stillness by a series of unfortunate events -- the loss of my boyfriend, job, and car -- all in a six week period of time. So there I was all by my lonesome. Sitting still. During those still moments, I heard a nagging voice. A voice I probably would have otherwise never heard zipping around, multi-tasking in the everyday fast paced world. During those still moments, I made up my mind for once and for all (Get it--For once and for all, Farewell Fatso!).

I didn't squander this time. Instead, I recognized this time off as an opportunity and so I used the time to my advantage. I started taking walks around the neighborhood, in part, to keep me from going insane. Those walks, however, soon became my -- me time. When I wasn't out walking I spent a lot of time just sitting still. No TV, no computer, just quiet, still time to really mull things over. I envisioned the person I wanted to be. In retrospect, I was creating a mental vision board. Slowly, but surely, I started making small changes.

I'll admit, at first, I didn't really have a plan. I just took some random steps. But, overtime my steps, my actions became more deliberate. The more small successes I accomplished the bigger the steps I was able to take. I started believing in myself. Wellness coaches call that -- self-efficacy.

Once I started believing in myself. There was no stopping me, there is no stopping me. The way I see it, when I enter into a business arrangement with someone I take the time to mull over the contract. Then if I agree to the contract, I sign the contract. So that's what I've done to shed the pounds and find myself.

My word is my bond. I do what I say I'm going to do and if I can't do it best believe there is a really compelling reason why. I certainly don't go around just willy nilly breaking contracts with others. So the same holds true with the contracts I sign with myself. I sign on the dotted line and commit to myself. It's me first, not in a selfish way, but in a selfish way (a whole 'nother blog post for a whole 'nother time).

Hey, I'm proof...You can do anything you set your mind to. So if you have areas in your life that you are looking to change. Might I suggest -- sit still with yourself, sign a contract with yourself, and set your mind to it!

Blueprint

I'm always thinking. Masterminding. I've never been one to ponder things over extensively. Usually once an idea has entered my mind I act on it. Sometimes acting on impulse is not a good thing. Case in point, the sleek, black iPhone I just ordered a couple of weeks ago needs to be packaged up and sent back this morning. I really had no business taking on a added expense like that, it's been fun while it lasted.

While making impulse purchases is not a good thing, putting my thoughts into action is. Once my mind is set on something I do it. Never have I been the type of person to over-think things. I know what I want and I usually understand what steps are required to go after it. My friends and family jokingly say I'm always drawing up "blueprints." Yesterday, when I was role playing in class as Wellness Coach for my final exam it was noted that I seemed to move the client to the action stage to quickly. I didn't fully allow the client to explore their ideas instead I was eager for them to put their thoughts to action.  It doesn't really matter if you act swiftly on your thoughts or if you take your time. What matters is that you act. Mentally draw your blueprint and execute.

"Never worry about action, but only inaction." ~ Winston Churchill

Where You Are

I talk to lots of folks through the blog, Facebook, and every day interactions. Recently, I was chatting with a friend who told me of his desire to get in better shape. He has big plans to exercise and eat healthier -- beginning in the New Year. Me being, who I am asked, "Why wait until then?" After all, no one is promised tomorrow. Harsh, maybe, but it's true.

I hear these types of comments from folks all the time. I use to talk the same way, so I can relate. Change is hard. Change is scary. It requires us to move outside of our comfort zones. What I've learned from my Wellness Coaching class is that type of talk is what professionals call the "Contemplation" stage. The individual recognizes there is an issue and is talking about making changes, but has yet to commit to the changes.

As a Wellness Coach, I would not be able to speak my opinion so freely. Instead, I'd be there to guide the client to finding answers. But, I'm not a wellness coach so here's what I say to you...If you are contemplating a change. Start where you are and start today. You're not promised tomorrow. Life is short. Live it to the fullest now.