Fear (Part One)

I'm rounding out my list of top five challenges to weight maintenance with a challenge so big it needs to be broken into two parts -- fear. Specifically, fear of failure.

 

Fear of failure was huge for me during the weight-loss process itself, especially because I attempted to lose weight in such a public way. I was troubled by the thought that I could do everything right and still not lose weight. Thankfully, that didn't happen. It wasn't easy, but by eating well, working out and addressing some of the triggers in my life, the weight came off -- slowly -- over time.

 

Keeping the weight off is a different process. Because I'm no longer actively trying to lose, there's no real set program to follow. Maintenance is about monitoring the scale and I've made the conscious decision not to use a scale (I'm using the clothes-still-fit method). With no program and no precise method of measurement, I feel like I'm winging it a little bit.

 

Of course, losing weight so publicly also brings pressure to keep it off. I know there are people who expect me to put the weight back on. There's no shortage of statistics about the number of people who re-gain all the weight they lost -- and usually put on more to boot. It can make you feel like the odds are really against you.

 

With all that swirling around in my head, it's hard sometimes to just stay focused on doing what I know is best for me -- healthy meals and snacks, regular workouts and taking time to relax. But I've come to see that the process of maintaining my weight is similar to many of the other challenges I face in life. The best way to handle it? Control the controllables, and forget about the rest.

 

At the end of the day, I ask myself two questions: Did I eat well today? Did I move my body today?

 

If the answer to those questions is yes, then I judge myself a success -- no matter what the scale might say.

Comments

[Sagan]

That fear of failure after having lost so much- and especially in such a public way- must be very prominent. It's funny... I found that I wasn't so much afraid when I was trying to lose, but when I'd gotten to the point of maintenance, that's when the fear set in. Because there ISN'T a set program or anything.

Maintenance is a tricky stage to be at sometimes!

I really like those questions that you ask yourself.

[Becky]

I agree with your philosophy! Very smart way to go about weight loss!

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