Learning From Past Mistakes

I'm not certain what prompts these episodes, but every now and then I find myself to be in a reflective mood.

It can go one of two ways.

Either I can morbidly re-live past failings and set backs, or I can choose to learn to do better.

Choosing the latter is better.

The challenge is this then: Acting like a grown up.

Hahaha.

Not easy for the immortal 17 year old that I am.

Seriously though, choosing the latter means I take responsibility for all that I experience and create. That is when something interesting happens.

I am no longer a victim to the past. I can be proactive.

Wow. What a concept.

By dropping the word blame from my vocabulary, by owning my role in things, and by taking the responsibility, I can evolve. I don't have to be stuck.

And, it is in those moments that opportunity presents itself where I can improve, if I choose to.

By stretching myself ,trying out new things, and leaving my comfort zone, I become better.

That tends to happen only if I am not weighed down with the past.

Live and learn.

Weight Loss, Accountability, and Goals.

Well, its time to commit.

I am publicly committing to getting back in shape. This time I mean business.

When I came back from my trip through Europe this past January, I was made painfully aware of the consequences of thoroughly enjoying every morsel of food (and I do mean "every"!).

That frigging digital weighing scale couldn't lie to me-- even just once.

216 lbs.

That aint much if say... you are 6' 10".

Its pretty hefty for a guy like me who stands exactly a foot shorter. Very hefty.

And by the way, don't be deceived by my profile picture, that photo was taken in 2008, when I was regularly working out on an ongoing basis... I weighed about 168lbs there.

But back to the present. What was my moment of clarity? A visit to the chiropractor.
I have had muscle spasms and strains in my lower back. Although I have no qualms of acknowledging that at times I am a world class wuss, it was a painful problem. My chiropractor was honest with me.

"Ron, I see this problem regularly in pregnant women. You're getting fat. It's the root of the issue."

He wasn't being mean, or hurtful, just honest. In a Simon Cowell sorta way. The truth will set you free.

Recognizing the problem is paramount and then success in addressing it is that much nearer. The key to success is found in the simplicity of stating a goal that is clear, and stating one that will also undoubtedly keep you accountable. (i.e. announcing it on a blog that is accessible by countless numbers).

So here is the plan and I will give an update on an ongoing basis. It's really quite simple:

I am going to model those people I know who are physically fit, healthy, and happy and most importantly those that remain physically fit and healthy. Gonna use them as a mentor-like guide.

The goal is to get down to a healthy 170 lbs by June 1st of this year.

Simple.

I'm not gonna starve myself cause I think thats foolish and dangerous.
I'm not gonna go on some new fad diet that causes me to have bitter hatred towards a can of tuna.
I'm not gonna work out like some speed freak on an unbridled binge.

I'm gonna make real healthy changes and behave like a fit person. Yup. That's it.

When I am lured by that luscious piece of rich dark chocolate, or seduced by that provocative and juicy cheeseburger, I will attempt to the best of my ability to behave like a fit person would.

In other words, I refuse to behave like a fat guy.

No offense to fat guys.

I am currently a fat guy and in many respects have enjoyed the experience immensely.
Both ways of being offer their own unique set of pleasures.

I'm just making choices and changes to live as a fit guy.

I will keep you posted.