By Coach Jimmy Hays Nelson
What’s your weight loss inspiration? Is it bigger than you?
I have noticed a trend lately when interacting with people on the subject of improving their health and fitness. For many, they truly know there is a need for a change in their life. And most have an honest desire to be something greater than they currently are. It’s not a lack of knowing what to do.
After speaking with me they hear our clients’ testimonials, they know the products, programs, and support in our Challenge Groups really do work! Yet, there is something inside that keeps them from taking that first step outside their comfort zone to get started. It usually stems from some sort of fear. A fear of starting. A fear of failing. And for some, actually, the fear of success and the change it would bring into the life they currently know.
I was in Orlando last weekend talking with a friend of a friend. This guy just finished medical school and managed to find some extra weight along the way. He shared with me how he started P90X because a buddy of his was also doing it. But he didn’t feel like he was totally committed to it or if he could complete the whole program. So I asked him why he started in the first place. What was his goal in tackling P90X? He said he thought it would be something positive to pursue now that he finished medical school, and that he would like to lose an extra 15-20 pounds.
Most people would have stopped there and thought that was a good solid goal.… Not Coach Jimmy!
I told him I thought that was admirable. But then I asked a follow up question:
“What would be different in your world if you actually lost that 15-20 pounds?”
He stopped dead in his tracks and thought about it for a little while. As he continued to share it became obvious very quickly that his wanting to lose 20 pounds wasn’t about him at all! He was concerned for the health of his aging parents! He said if he could do something positive and see some real results, maybe they would be inspired to take some small step towards improving their health. Even if that was just going for an evening walk, or replacing one meal a day with something like Shakeology.
He said he never really thought about it before. But now that I asked, his desire to improve his health stemmed from wanting to encourage his parents to do the same so they would be around to see him start a family.
WOW! That’s a much deeper motivation than just wanting to drop a few pounds before swimsuit season!
I was also reminded of a story of a close friend of mine who saw an enormous life changing body transformation. He lost over 120 pounds using P90X. And had gained lots of attention for doing so. Most people congratulated him on the fact that he ‘decided to do it for himself’. What they don’t know was that the thing that got him to put down the beer and pizza and get off his couch had NOTHING to do with him at all!
It was all about needing to get in shape to help a family member who needed an organ transplant. But my friend was too fat to be considered an eligible donor!
I look at my own weight loss journey as an example. I remember being 100 pounds heavier coming out of a very emotional break up. Stepping out of the shower one day and catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror and thinking: ‘Who in the world is going to love this?!’
I knew I was called to do great things with my life. I knew I wanted to have a family. And I also knew that I wasn’t going to be able to be the husband, dad, family member, and friend I needed to be in my current state. Not just because I was heavier, but because I wasn’t taking care of the body, mind, talents, or tools God had equipped me with to impact others!
We just celebrated my son, Asher’s, first birthday. As I was surrounded in a room full of family and friends, I looked at my wife and son and took a minute to thank God for giving something besides my dire situation to focus on. I could have very easily felt sorry for myself. Blamed others for the miserable situation I found myself in. And continued a downward spiral of depression years ago. But He gave me something outside of myself to focus on and my life became a miracle that I now get to pass along to help others.
If you are that person who feels stuck, hopeless, and in despair – then I want to help you! You are not alone in this journey!
I encourage you to leave a comment, or contact me via my Facebook or Twitter! I would love to hear your story.
Your Success Story is My Mission – Coach Jimmy