From Borderline Obesity To Success Within One Week

“You are borderline obese”, were the words of my doctor the week of April 14th, 2014. Borderline Obesity, are you kidding me? Those words sent me running in the right direction and have led to success.

Borderline ObesityWhen I heard those words, I thought this was the funniest thing I’ve ever heard. I felt like slapping her (just kidding on that). She then proceeded to show me on her phone the BMI (not bowel movement) calculation based on my current weight and height and what it actually should be. According to her diagnosis, borderline obesity is the result.

I have since taken a deep breath and have learned that BMI calculation doesn’t take into consideration your muscle mass. This gave me a little relief but just enough to know that I needed to do something about it. She was onto something and I have to admit, I had gained weight; plain and simple. I’m owning up to it.

So, I’ve decided to drop 5lbs. Yes, I said 5lbs. 

Why only 5lbs? 

I know this is a goal I could make in a week, which by the way, I did. If I had said 20 or 30 lbs, not that I’m 30 lbs overweight, it would be monumental. But 5lbs … that I could handle and the evidence is in.

This week – the week of April 21st, my goal is to lose 3lbs. Yes, only 3lbs. I know I will make that as well.

What’s my strategy? Eat less carbs and continue to exercise at least 4 days per week.

Are you obese? Go see my doctor. Lol.

Why did I share this with you? What does this have to do with the Second Half Dream Life? I think a lot.

First, it is facing the truth

Most of us who are at this stage of life, seek to live in denial. We don’t want to accept the fact that we are the age we are. We want to think that we are younger, which the evidence speaks for itself and each time, proves us wrong.

This does not mean we are to think that we are over the hill and somehow it’s too late to build our dream life. Far from it. As a matter of fact, there’s no better time than now to begin. You have what it takes. You are much wiser and have tons of experience than a person who is much younger – the person you are thinking you are – don’t have. 

Secondly, it is taking responsibility

You are the only one who can do something about what the “doctor” have told you. When she said I was obese and oh, those words stung, I realized that that’s all she could do for me. She could not lose the weight and I could remain as I am and return to her months later and hear the same thing or even something worse. I had a choice

So, I took responsibility and decided not to diet, but to cut back drastically on my carbs. This I can do plus,I decided to break down the overall weight loss, in manageable amounts. I know that I could lose 5lbs in a week. Most of that is water weight any way, so just by exercising and limiting carbs, that was achievable. I just wanted to gain some momentum and give myself proof that I could do it.

What if you were to look at your overall goal of what it is you want to do and break it down in small chunks? I believe that this would give you the energy you need to go about taking on the task at hand. It’s when you are looking at the monumental task, you get stuck and even feel depressed. So, take responsibility.

Thirdly, focus on the small steps

Having lost the first 5lbs, I am now confident I can lose another 3lbs. But, I’m not looking at it as losing another 3lbs, but just losing 3lbs period. This takes the pressure off me. The 5lbs goal is behind me. I accomplished it and now I move on. When you are working on a project, you don’t necessarily say I’m going to do this other part to build on the past. Not really, you just look to do the next step even though in theory that is what you’re doing … building on the past.

What small action step could you focus on? What if you were to focus just on that step today or this week? If you would do that, success would be within your grasp, which would provide the evidence you need that it works.

What’s my strategy?

It’s these four action steps.

Step #1: Simply cut back on the carbs I’ve been consuming

Step #2: Snack on healthier food items

Step #3: Drink a lot more water

Step #4: Exercise 4 times per week.

I am taking this outlook on working on my Second Half Dream Life. I’m moving away from denial, taking responsibility and taking action. I know that there is less time ahead for me so I need to get moving. I also know that I’m wiser and have tons of experience at my disposal. I’m exploring every options I have to make this happen now … coaches, mentors and other avenues. And lastly, I’m focusing on smaller steps.

What’s your strategy, not for losing weight but for building your Second Half Dream Life?

I personally think #1 is the key to my weight loss and Step #3 will be most helpful for building my Second Half Dream Life. 

Would you take a few minutes and let me know what’s your thoughts and strategy? Leave your comments below.

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About Kingsley Grant

I am a published author, motivational speaker, father of two, husband of one, licensed psychotherapist, certified midlife transitional coach, follower of Christ and President of Helping Families Improve, Inc.

View all posts by Kingsley Grant

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