Day 174: Strength in Numbers

The Three Musketeers really had something figured out. No, I’m not talking about those delicious candy bars, I’m talking about their sense of teamwork and ability to lift each other up.  They were successful at defeating their foes because they had a common purpose and an unspoken loyalty. They recognized their weaknesses and depended on each other to combat them.

Create a Support System

Being on a weight loss journey all alone is not easy as many of you know. For whatever reason we are more prone to quit early or not push ourselves as much if our weight loss is a solo act. Meeting with a personal trainer twice a week has been an integral part of my success. I know that every Tuesday and Thursday morning I’m going to have to make myself accountable for my success or lack thereof. I also know that when I’m having a hard time with some aspect of my weight loss, I have someone to help with the difficulties.

I’m excited because Jackie (the wife) has been very supportive of my weight loss, but has just recently decided that she is going to join me to drop a few extra pounds. It’s going to be great to start working out with her and getting healthy with her.

I also can’t overlook the support from the NMB readers. Your support and encouragement has made it easier to push through those last intervals when I feel like my body just can’t take anymore. You honestly don’t know how often your comments run through my mind when I’m thinking about pounding a cheeseburger or justifying easing up during a workout.

I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to communicate to the people around you that you’re trying to lose weight. Is it easy to tell people you’re trying to lose the thunder thighs? It’s probably about as easy as it would be to tell them they need to get rid of their thunder thighs. No one likes to talk about weight loss, but the truth is, what will keep people from offering you the Baconator if they don’t know you’re trying to cut back? With a little dialogue you’ll find out in a hurry how supportive people will be.

Success Breeds More Success

It’s amazing how contagious positivity can be. When we see other people be successful with something we start to believe that we can be successful too. When I first started losing weight I didn’t necessarily have that person or example to look at, but along the way I’ve found quite a few different guys who have shown me the way to be successful. I’ve found real people like Jack Sh*t, and South Beach Steve who have been enormously successful with their weight loss and who make me want to do better.

It’s honestly been pretty humbling to see the effect that my weight loss has had on the people around me. I’ve seen quite a few people who I care about very much start working toward better health. I know that when they are successful, people they know will want to better themselves as well. It’s a beautifully vicious cycle.

The More the Merrier

The great part about losing weight or trying to accomplish anything as a team, is the inclusive positive energy. Now without getting too mushy or using too much tofu fairy vocabulary, I just want to say that it’s nice for people to be so inviting in a society where we tend to value exclusivity. I don’t think that any of us think to ourselves, “Well, I want to be skinny but I hope so and so stays fat forever.” I should say that none of us that live outside of a Sex and the City fantasyland think that way.

Inviting people to lose weight along with us isn’t easy. We’re all afraid of giving the wrong impression or insulting someone. None of us want to find ourselves in the do-you-think-I’m-fat conversation.

Clearly there has to be some level of trust before we can invite someone to try and get healthier with us, but it can be as simple as an invitation to workout or to join the NMB Biggest Loser Challenge (shameless plug). The key is to talk openly to everyone about it. If people notice you’ve lost some weight and ask you questions about it, tell them. Invite them to participate. We can create a great community of healthy living if we can stop seeing weight loss as a taboo subject.

One of my favorite parts about my weight loss program, the IdealShape plan, is the wristbands that everyone wears. Just like the LiveStrong bands it creates an unspoken sense of community. When I see people in the community where I live sporting the wrist band we can just give each other a quiet nod and know that we’re working toward the same goals.

Next time you’re feeling like your on the journey alone or you just want to invite more people along for the ride, remember, “All for one, and one for all.” Together, we will achieve all things.

4 Days Left to Register for the NMB Biggest Loser Challenge



2 Responses to “Day 174: Strength in Numbers”

1. Mary :: A Merry Life says:

   January 4, 2010 at 1:30 pm

   You are totally right about the support system. Good luck with your contest!

   Reply
2. Dr. Mo (@footdr69) says:

   January 4, 2010 at 2:00 pm

   I LOVE the post!!!! Teamwork and Support make the world a better place!!! Im so happy that your wife is joining in on the journey!! My loved one is too and it makes life so sweet!!! Good Luck on your challenges!!! “Together, we can achieve ALL THINGS!!!….ABSOLUTELY!!!
   Love Ya Lots!!!
   Monique

   Reply