Why Are They Successful?

It's difficult for me to know who will be successful when he or she walks through the door. I believe EVERY person has the ability to reach his or her health and fitness goals. But why do some complete the transformation and others don't? Everyone thinks it is the big, grand changes that really matter. I can tell you this, the decision to make a change is huge, but the success lies in the very small actions and decisions, done over and over again. Those small steps can seem easy at times and near impossible the next. But each positive action towards reaching your goals, will make it easier to face each obstacle as it comes.

The defintion of success can be different at different time in a lifetime. I know, when it comes to eating healthy, whether for weight loss or weight maintenance, and exercising, even the most successful members have a "season". Of course for most of us Thanksgiving to February is difficult. Living in New England doesn't help. However, I don't throw caution to the wind and become a couch potatoes during the holidays. I just don't expect to be at my fighting race weight or setting any race PRs. I set realistic expectations. Goals that are different. I'm not saying you CAN'T lose weight at that time, I actually did last year, but you should be realistic. The fall is my best time and I raise the bar high. You can't be at full steam 100% of the time. But you never want to get so far back that recovery seems impossible.

So, what makes a successful member? The person who looks at each decision, at that moment, and decides which one will bring him or her closer to the goal. So, when a member can go to bed, or make her lunch first, she makes lunch. The difference, a few minutes, but a huge investment in tomorrow and another victory over the voices that want you to take the easy way out. She orders fish for dinner without butter, but when it's served, it's swimming in it. She sends it back, ignoring the groans of her friends. She eats a few minutes later, but another victory.

Each time you fight to make the right decision, you feel stronger. Every time the world doesn't fall apart because you leave your family to go for a 30 minute walk, you prove to yourself you can do it. Over time those decisions will come more naturally. I have a few routines that I've been doing for years. I don't go anywhere without food and often get a few stares, but everyone always wants a bite of what I have! Most of my days start off with a run. Rain, cold, or heat. Some days it's only 45 minutes. Most days not more than 60. That's because I don't waste time deciding if I should go for a run. Before I go to bed, my clothes are out and I know how far I will be running. A few minutes of mental rehearsing and there will be no struggle in the morning. I don't have to be an Olympic athlete to win my own race to stay healthy.

So, what makes my successful members so, well successful? The little things. All the things you can do, day in and day out, too. It doesn't hurt to see the scale going down, the clothes fitting better and the doctor giving you Kudos. Success breeds success. Next time you are faced with a little decision - should I measure how much cereal I'm eating - just do it! Do you want to be moving closer or away from you goals. Small steps make a big difference.