Daily Journal - Physical -Staying committed

By Randy McNeely

In my "Why This Blog" section, I stated my reasons for needing to lose weight. I have several incentives--I  need to bring down my cholesterol, in need more energy, I don't want to wear a C-Pap, I want to be there for my kids and be able to do things with them, etc.

Knowing those things, however, and translating that knowledge into action, are two different things. Like many of you, I don't particularly like exercising. However, I do like how I feel when I have exercised. I feel awake and alert. I feel more energized. I feel a sense of accomplishment for having done it even though I didn't necessarily want to do it. I also like the fact that because of the exercise my weight is going down and I fit into my clothes better (yes men do think of those things too -- though we're not nearly as obsessed about it as women are :-)). 

So, when 4:45 am hits (that's my new wake up time--I'm working toward 4:30 am), an I'm faced with a mind over mattress battle, I force myself to think of those things. If I don't, my king size mattress is way to comfortable and try as I might, I lose the battle.

Committed!

One of the keys to success in any project is commitment. So, I've been getting committed all over the place....

No, not the psych ward, although at times this week, it was a possibility! Committed to weight loss. What did I do? A few simple things.....

I bought a much more difficult workout game for the Wii, which not only weighs you, but tracks your measurements, tracks your calories, and notes when you exercise. It asks you to commit to a program, and I chose to work out 6 days a week.

I was asked to select a product to review on my blog, and I chose a portable step machine. I plan to keep it in my office for stress relief and to get in a little exercise. I have to use it, or I can't do the review--committed again.

At work, the nurse has begun a "Biggest Loser" contest. There are 12 of us, and our entry fee is a $10 gift card. Whoever has lost the biggest percentage each week will get the gift card of his or her choice.

Thanks to Randy, I'm now committing myself in public. Finally, I've also committed to myself and my family... the most important people of all.

I'll let you know how it goes.