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Why Can’t Hurry Up be a Virtue?

summer I dubbed last summer as the “summer of wreckless debauchery.”

It was so much fun to travel, eat, drink and truly enjoy all of the deliciousness of life – literally.

Ice cream cone – ok!   Milkshakes – yum!  Pizza! Burgers! Fries! And all with a bit of a gourmet twist.

Then came September and I went to put on a pair of my blue jeans – not a fun experience. I felt like the sausage I had eaten all year long.

I had 2 options – buy new jeans or lose some weight.  I went with the latter, because I love my jeans, as well as a personal challenge.

The thing was, I wanted to wear those jeans that weekend.

When you come to a point in your life that brings dissatisfaction and you realize that you have to change, it doesn’t feel good.

Whether it’s modifying your career, adjusting how you eat or transforming simple activities to achieve different results in your life, the toughest part is not knowing what to do first.

First, I couldn’t believe I let the weight creep back. I had to come to peace with where I was, loving and accepting my curves and softness, before anything could happen.

In 2005, I had the same awakening, then I was 50 pounds overweight. I joined Weight Watchers and lost the weight in 8 months.

If it worked once, it would work again. This is true in so many areas of our lives.

If you have built a successful career or business, you can do it again.  If you have been in a good, loving relationship, you can obtain that again. If you know how to earn a million dollars, easy peasy—do it again. Ask any millionaire that has made the money, lost it and earned it again.

The thing was at this point in my life I was not excited about being patient – I wanted to wear my jeans today!  And, I knew that any quick weight loss would not be sustainable for me.

So I started working the program and over the last five months have lost 21 pounds. I feel great and am enjoying my seemingly new wardrobe that fits great again.

When my patience was wearing thin, these three things helped me to preserve.

  1. Structure – Because this program is focused on “points” which is another way to look at calories, I knew I could eat pretty much whatever I wanted, as long as I had a clear plan. When you have a plan, you can move forward with confidence, knowing that each action is contributing towards your goal.
  2. Accountability – With a weekly weigh-in, my level of commitment increased because of my desire to see and celebrate my results. Having a loss of 1-2 pounds per week gave me the gumption to keep going. Having an accountability partner or coach in your life will be the structure that supports your success.
  3. Celebration – I would find ways to celebrate my small accomplishments each week, meeting a girlfriend for a movie, taking a luxurious bath or getting a foot massage. When you celebrate the small things, it keeps you moving towards your goal.

I have a few more pounds I would like to lose, but with a plan, accountability and reasons to celebrate, I will be in a bikini for sure this summer.

Where are you impatient in your life right now?   If you think that having a clear plan, accountability and reasons to celebrate would help you make the transition you desire in your life, job or business, then take advantage of my complimentary Flourishing Strategy Session. In 45 minutes, you will experience the power of coaching to help you fall back in love with your love and work. Click here to schedule your session today.