“If you focus on Results, you will never change. If you focus on Change, you will get Results.”(Jack Dixon)
We live in a fast-paced, “Results” driven society. As much as it rankles me to admit it, I am definitely a product of my environment. I love to proudly display the results of hard work and tireless efforts, preferably outlined in glitter and framed in silver! However, although I agree that if you don’t succeed at your first attempt, you should always try, try, and try again, sometimes tunnel-vision focus on reaching a goal may ironically prohibit attainment of that goal due to flawed strategy. Subsequently we find ourselves on infinite repeat-frustrated, annoyed, exhausted, and close to the edge of giving up and accepting failure.
My platform ” Health Empowered: Throwing out the Bathroom Scale and Celebrating the Beauty of Health” is a reflection of my internal(ahem…and external!) struggle to reach a healthy weight and fitness level. My results-focused mentality drop-kicked me into a seemingly endless cycle of dieting, inconsistent exercise, and unhealthy behaviors that, at best made my weight fluctuate like a yo-yo on crack, and at worst found me in a deep dark crevice bingeing on cupcakes and twinkies like Hostess was going out of business! Now, don’t get the wrong idea here. In general, I’m a pretty healthy person and I know a thing or two about healthy eating and exercise. In fact, I could probably spout facts and statistics about weightloss and fitness better than Dr. Travis and the rest of America’s Medical Dream Team! However, none of that combined with my best effort was effectively helping me reach and maintain my personal goals. The result I so desperately prayed for wasn’t in sight, on the horizon, or even on the same planet! I was teetering on the edge of accepting my unhealthy weight as fact and buying stock in Little Debbie’s until a lightbulb flashed and I decided to change tactics.
It seems counter-intuitive to focus on process change to achieve end results instead of solely devoting your energies to achieving the results themselves. Honestly, seeing 5lbs magically disappear on the scale would “make my day” much quicker than starting down the potentially winding path of yet another healthy lifestyle plan. BUT, something as simple as a lifestyle change in my workout strategy could be key to toeing the line of success. Change is the key word here. If I really want to change my body(end result) I must redefine my focus and Change my process, because it isn’t currently working. This seemingly obvious revelation is perfectly timed to coincide with the Lenten season.
Traditionally, Lent is a 40-day season of reflection and repentance. It is an opportunity to give up something that poses a distraction or add something that will improve your relationship with God. I chose to go the extra mile and came up with 1 distraction and 1 necessary addition for me this year. 40 days without the yummy treats I crave, to focus on developing healthier eating habits; and 40 days of exercise, to focus on increased physical fitness and consistency. Thus the birth of 40 days of Focus. This strategy is very different from previous, marginally successful plans simply because I have no intention of handing my checkcard over to Dr. Atkins or an LA fitness guru this time, in hopes that I will emerge from these 40 days encased in an exact replica of Halle Berry’s trim and toned physique(although I solemnly promise to not complain should such an event magically occur…) Instead, I am simply focusing on making the changes that will improve my current habits and provide constant motivation to live healthier!
What’s your Focus? Even if you don’t participate in Lent, there are 365 days, 52 weeks, and 12 months in the year! If there is something you want to change about yourself and you’ve tried, tried, and tried again with little success, take some time and re-Focus! Take a long, hard look at your goals and then re-evaluate your strategy. Change your focus. Change your strategy. Change yourself!
Focus, Grow, and Laugh Until Your Belly Aches!
Royally Yours,
Nykia
Good Morning Atlanta and Congratulations to the latest addition to the MBGA family, Ms. Tia Ascar! Tia and the other lovely contestants of the Denim and Diamonds themed Ms. Black Georgia-USA 2012 pageant, gave fierce performances as they competed for the crown and esteemed title. Tia’s military discipline and poise, fiery tahitian dance talent, and eloquent interview earned her top scores!
