Nobody Bats 1000

Many people I talk to tend to focus in on what they haven't achieved in their weight loss program rather than what they have achieved. For some reason, it is always the one bad choice that sticks out in a person's mind rather than the ninety-nine good choices. A problem that we all experience as humans is that we focus on our failures; we feel guilt and anger when we let ourselves down. Improvement, however, is all about filling our lives with more positive experiences and it is important to learn from our failures rather than dwell on them.The following seven ideas were adapted from a book called "The New Science of Getting What You Want” by Doug D'Anna. These are some things to remember when you feel like you've let yourself down:1. Don't deny the problem. Resist the urge to defend your actions and accept responsibility for what's happened. If, for example, you are having negative self-thoughts because of eating too much before bed, realize that you cannot go back and change what you've done, but know that next time you'll make a better choice.2. Analyze yourself and your circumstances. What went right? What went wrong? Review your eating and exercise patterns for the last week: eliminate what doesn't work and repeat your successes for next week. Work to do whatever you can to overcome any anxieties you might have had.3. Get as much feedback as you can from those who have been there and use it to your advantage. Although we may sometimes feel alone or isolated in our efforts to change lifestyle habits, know that there are many others who are currently (or have been) in the same position. Everyone has their own unique experience with weight management and sharing these experiences might help you see your situation more clearly.4. Experiment. Not every solution to a setback will always work. Try alternate solutions and see which one feels best in your particular situation.5. Expect some delays. Learn that not everything can be controlled just because you are trying to "take control” of the situation. Change the things you can right now, and the rest will fall into place. For instance, getting a bit of exercise right after work might make you more energized for the evening; this in turn might help you to feel less tired once you've eaten dinner, and more conscious of your goal not to eat any snacks before bed. Achieving small "stepping stone” goals helps motivate us towards the direction of our larger goals.6. Regenerate yourself. Learn and experience new things to help you on your new journey. Feed your security; don't just jump into something as a "new and improved” person. Instead, transform yourself into it.7. Prepare yourself with the information you already have. Don't make the same mistakes twice. Always learn and carry that knowledge with you and apply it to the next scenario.Everyone is capable of achieving the goals they set. No matter what aspect of our lives we focus on, it is important to remember that we are all human and nobody is perfect 100% of the time. Learn from your slips, focus on your successes, and remember that you, as an individual, are capable of achieving anything you put your mind to. Don't ever lose sight of your goals! I know you can do it.Dr. Doug