Something I do on every 10 Pound Takedown Challenge is ask people to get in touch with their WHY.
As in, why do you want to lose the weight?
I insist people go deep and find “the why that makes you cry,” because superficial “whys,” though they’re totally valid, don’t tap into the long-term motivation most people need to stick with a big change.
The “whys” people share are always really powerful when they actually do the work and go deep.
I notice a common trend in “whys,” too, and it’s this: A lot of people choose stuff outside themselves as their whys.
It might be to play on the floor with their grandkids, to feel more comfortable being intimate with their partner, to be an example for their kids, and so on.
Again, ALL are totally valid.
Yet I just have to wonder…
Why aren’t more people taking their life back for themselves, because they know they are worth it and deserve to feel happy and good about themselves, regardless of ANY other circumstances?
I do get part of why that is: In mainstream society and in some religions (I was raised in church so am NOT bashing God – just saying), you’re shamed for anything even resembling selfishness.
And if you ever, for any reason, make your own care a priority over what other people want, you’re shamed and labeled a bad person, a bad parent, a bad follower of whatever religious faith is important to you, a bad employee, a bad boss – just bad all around.
But you know something? I think that is complete and total BULLCRAP.
Seriously, if you don’t take care of yourself, who will?
It’s not that you can’t or shouldn’t accept support from other people, but there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with being the person to provide it for yourself, and do so in a healthy way.
I say a healthy way, because if you’re turning to food and alcohol right now to “cope,” make no mistake – it’s because you aren’t meeting your needs in healthier ways.
See, your needs aren’t going anywhere. They’re NEEDS. You have them whether you like it or not, or will admit it or not.
So if you don’t get proactive about taking care of yourself, you’ll default to stuff like junk food, alcohol, numbing yourself with streaming TV or social media, and other destructive habits.
That’s why the #1 best reason to lose weight isn’t to look better, feel better, or be there for your grandkids.
It’s because YOU are worth it and deserve the best in your life, including the best health and to feel good about yourself.
It’s totally fine to have reasons in addition to that.
But please do not exclude YOU from your reasons.
You are worth it. That, ALL by itself, is reason enough to TAKE YOUR LIFE BACK.
Get started on Code Red with the 30-day 10 Pound Takedown Challenge, where you can lose 10 pounds in 30 days and feel better than you have in years. Join the challenge at www.10PoundTakedown.com.