Today, we're going to talk about long-term visions for ourselves--that are happening today. That's right--today. We are taking action today.
1/2 Pound From Goal Weight!
Did you notice the blue ticker at the top of my blog? I'm half a pound from the goal weight I set for myself last year. Yes, I'm quite pleased about that. This is my best weight since--I don't even know 13 years, or maybe a zillion? Hard to remember.
One of the reasons I am at a very happy weight is because I've been blending my present with my future--until they are seamless and nearly the very same thing.
Present And Future Too Far Apart...
Have you ever read a blog where a blogger daydreams about being size 6 or 8 or 150 pounds, or something along those lines, but then explains that she's going out for dinner that night and is going to have a full piece of fattening dessert after a fattening meal. Yes, many times I've seen all of this content in one blog post. <<This blogger is having present and future too far apart, such that it is fairly unlikely they are ever going to meet up.
Present And Future Blending Perfectly!
I have friends who are sizes 4, 6, and 8 who tell me that they would NEVER eat an entire fattening meal and then have an entire fattening dessert. This scenario never ever happens in their lives, which is the logical reason why they wear such small sizes.<<These friends have present actions and future visions that blend together. They always eat in ways that support a slender figure. They have a vision of themselves that is slim--in every single circumstance--today and in the future.
Visionary Instead Of Pizza Fool
This week, I personally had the opportunity to eat very good deep dish pizza, which was in my own home and smelling very good, but instead I went upstairs to my room. Instead, I spent time being a visionary about who I am and how I want people to see me. I want people to see me how I am--not as a pizza eating fool.
Make Today's Actions Match Up With Future Goals
When you make today's actions match up exactly with your future goals, you will get success. If you think about it, people who maintain successful weights eat carefully, almost exactly like they did when they lost the weight in the first place. If today's actions are so closely related to your future goals, they will quickly become one and the same.
So today, try to make your actions really count.
Do you want to be a slimmer weight?
Watch your calorie amount today--as if you are already slim!
Do you want to get much more fit?
Work out hard in the gym today--as if you are already a fitness superstar!
Every single day, act like *you* are already successful in *your* goals.
Today is the first day of *your* future.
Make it count in a way that really matters.
Have a super day that furthers your goals!
:-) Marion
Excellent post, Marion! And congrats on being oh-so-close to your (2012) weight goal! Huzzah!
ReplyDeleteDespite my current plateau (or maybe because of it?), I feel 'my present' blending with 'my future' better than ever! Nice to have the verbage you just gave me to word it well! :)
Hi Gwen! Thanks!!! And glad to know my verbage helped. Always plenty of verbage here to share. :D
ReplyDelete:-) Marion
hahaha! I know the feeling! ;)
ReplyDeleteI think to be successful at losing weight and maintaining the loss, it's important to make good choices consistently along the way. It's basically finding a way of eating and living that will work for the rest of your life. And the choices we make will result in a certain weight in the long run.
ReplyDeleteAt this point in my life, I have chosen to eat very healthy 80% of the time, and I allow some "treats" about 20% of the time (20% are a lot fewer "treats" per week than people often think!). I also work out consistently but not as much as I used to a few years ago. But I am in a good place. I haven't had any ankle problems for months (knock on wood...), and I feel good. Because of my choices I am at a good weight and fit into a size I like. I could lose some weight and fit into one size smaller if I cut my treats to 10% and worked out more, but it's not worth it to me at this point...
BIG CONGRATS on being SOOOOO close to your goal!!!! Great job!
Hi Andrea! Thanks! Like you describe, this is a lifestyle change. And I really like it better and respect myself a *lot* more.
DeleteYou are looking so good on your blog pics!
Yes, I totally agree that the amount of treats a slim person eats is a lot less than people often think. I saw recent portions of restaurant food on your blog that are really quite small. I rarely eat at restaurants or eat desserts, but when I do, I often share what I eat. Sharing is a very fun way to experience food. One serving in most restaurants is enough for 2 people.
:-) Marion
I'm coming out of a real funk. I've spent this week at the gym working out like a superstar without a trainer or instructor! And that is because of your encouragement!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on being so close to your goal! I'm wishing you continued success!!!
Hi Running Stitches! Thanks!
DeleteExcellent about your news! I'm super glad that I motivated you, but *you* did the work.<<Don't forget to thank *yourself* too.:D
:-) Marion
I love that you tell us that we have to make the most out of today. That we need to live our goals and not wish for them.
ReplyDeleteYou are very close to your goal - whoo-hoo!
Hi Marleen! Thanks!
DeleteYes, personally, I think wishes are just crap unless they have daily action behind them. You and I know that *Action is magic.* :D
:-) Marion
Nice motivational post, Marion!!
ReplyDelete1/2 a pound more yay!!! I find blending my present and my future very useful in the gym, if I think like I'm already superfit I do lot better in the gym, I think I workout longer and push myself more confidently...always works wonders :)
ReplyDeleteSo excited for you for being just 1/2 a pound away from your goal weight. That's really awesome!
ReplyDeleteI've been fretting lately about many things including my weight. I think your point about present and future is something that I need to keep in mind. I need to focus on what I can do right now instead of fretting about other things that are not in my control. Sometimes (often) it is easier said than done, but of course I'll keep trying :)
I recently watched a TED video on YouTube that connects with your thoughts here. It was talking about how language can shape the way we save money. The presenter was explaining how some languages in the world do not have past, present, and future tenses. These countries are better at saving money and at achieving other goals because when they speak of tomorrow or years from now they speak the same way as they would about something that happens today. They see their future self the way they see their present self. I thought it was interesting and your point really makes it stick home. I'm not very good at the long-term goal setting. I need mini goals so I can truly see the change in my mind and see myself as that newer and better me.
ReplyDeleteSince I waited so long to comment I notice you are now at goal. Congratulations Marion!!! I am so happy for you. I know the work doesn't end here though. My mother always preached "everything in moderation." I don't believe that to be true for me. I cannot sit down to eat one piece of pizza and be satisfied so, like you, I prefer to have none. For me the reward is in not eating it at all. That is the same for a few other foods.
ReplyDeleteOver the last few years I've learned to talk less and do more. Setting goals is talking the talk, but accomplishing them is walking the walk. I think this why I love having races to train for. My mouth isn't going to get me over the finish line. I've got to do the work.