Learning from your Mistakes

There was an excellent statement by Dr. Robert Schuller who said: "Success isn't the opposite of failing. A runner may come in last, but if he beats his personal previous best record, he succeeds.” Many of us will consider ourselves failures at times because of subjects we failed at school, failing to make a team, previous ‘diet' failures, etc. Failing means only that you were not as prepared as you could have been; so, keep trying because you are never a failure until you completely give up.

A lot of my motivation comes from the efforts I see in others, especially those who put in great efforts to conquer their weight problem. Recently, one client who we've seen over the past few years started a steady weekly weight loss after continuous set backs due to health and motivational issues. Her success can only be attributed to that singular characteristic of ‘never giving up.' She knew the answer was finding methods from within that allowed her to believe that she could truly eat well, and lose weight. In order to continue on her weight loss journey, she uses a combination of: positive affirmations, techniques to help choose better quality foods, and controlling the pain in her joints. It has not been easy for her; it's never easy for any of us…but we can learn from each other's experiences to veer ourselves onto the right path.

She learned not to be overwhelmed by ‘failure.' Instead, she used it as a challenge; a learning experience to discover what would work for her as an individual.

She focused on success. She knew that somehow, someday, she would find the right techniques, the right attitude, and the necessary belief system to help her lose weight and change her lifestyle.

Despite many attempts (‘failures'), she kept at it. It was her hard work, patience and determination that finally paid off.

We need to find our own path. What works for one person may not work for another. Making healthy food choices, preparing snacks for the next day, or getting up earlier to exercise may sound like easy things to implement, but they aren't. We need an attitude shift. We must truly want to be healthier. But, more importantly, we must really believe we can do this. Developing and sustaining this belief is the most difficult part.

If you have ‘failed' at losing weight or sustaining weight loss in the past, there is no reason to believe you will fail this time. Don't brood about past failures; otherwise they will become your reality. Look for new solutions on a daily basis and work on developing a positive belief system that, YES, you can do this.

So, keep learning from your mistakes; don't ever stop trying. NEVER give up on yourself!

Dr. Doug