Pain vs Benefit



Listening to people that have lost large amounts of weight, the majority say the first step is a mindset shift. You have to essentially find your why - the reasons why you want to lose weight. This is done by first looking at the pain of being overweight and then the benefits of losing weight. The goal is to proactively imagine what it would be like to carry less weight.

The Pain

For me, there are a number of things I feel in carrying around an extra 100 pounds.
  • I get tired easier and have less energy.
  • I have trouble with sleep apnea, which leads to poor sleep.
  • I have a harder time getting up from chairs.
  • I have a harder time leaning forward to put on my shoes.
  • My belt digs into my stomach.
  • I have a hard time tucking in my shirt.
  • It's challenging to walk up a flight of stairs.
  • I look older and less fit.
  • I don't enjoy movement as much.
  • It's uncomfortable sitting in an airline seat.
  • I'm not role-modeling good health to my boys.
  • I'm telling myself that I don't value my body.

The Benefits

Now, on to the second half. Here's what I see as benefits to losing weight. 
  • I will be able to move easier.
  • I will feel lighter, both physically and emotionally.
  • I will have a sense of accomplishment.
  • I will feel stronger. 
  • I can carry the lessons learned into other areas of life. Work, interpersonal skills, charities.
  • I will feel better about myself and less self-conscious.
  • I will be able to get back into movement activities. Jogging and biking.
  • My mental abilities will increase.
  • It will increase my confidence in being able to overcome challenges.
So, just now I went and reread the bullet points. And I have to say it feels motivating. At least right now, in this moment, I feel like there's a purpose in taking on this challenge. It won't be easy every day but, even on the tough days, there are lessons to be learned. Mistakes can be corrected... actually, I wouldn't even call them mistakes. Some days will move me towards strength and clarity and others, towards weakness and confusion. It's part of living the pendulum of existence.

I'll end this with some news. I started this blog gaining six pounds to hit my all-time heaviest weight. This morning, when I weighed myself, I had reclaimed those six pounds. One point in the win column.

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