I’ve spent the last 2 weeks trying to hone in on what helped create the success I had last year when I was able to shed 75 lbs.  Even though it was approximately 2 years ago when I started, it seems like a decade.  I remember the feeling I had when I set a goal – and reached it.  It is an experience everyone should get to enjoy.  Setting your mind to something and believing in it, and working hard for results until it you achieve them…  it can be lightning in a bottle, and has the tendency to keep propelling one to bigger and better things.

Over the last year I have attempted to reboot myself several times.  And over the last year I have managed to fail, and fail again.  But I do take to heart quotes by succesful people who say things like…

These are words to live by for whatever you are attempting to accomplish.  (Am I the only one who misses browsing the Successories store at the mall?)  Even as recently as April I wrote about trying to start this journey up again and called it Round 3… so perhaps this is round 4.. or is it 5?

Anywhooooo, the point is I’m back on my feet again and focused in the right direction.  It is not easy, as I have likely written about a dozen times.  But the rewards are life changing.

So it’s back to the basics.  I dusted off the ole “Lose It” app and have committed to using it daily.  I have meals planned (and food already purchased) for breakfast, lunch and dinner for the week.  And I will hit my 5 days of running planned for this week.  Going back to basics also means taking baby steps once again.  I can’t run continuously for 2 hours like a once could, so I need to adjust my goals… if I could – this post wouldn’t exist.

I think the journey is perhaps even more mental than it is physical.  Sure I’ll be burning off thousands of calories over the next several months, but making sure I’m prepared for each day and the choices that I make will have a greater effect on my results than the sweat dripping off my brow.  I’ve checked out many of the workout programs on the market today and have spoken to trainers, and even though it is true that calories in must be less than calories out – what you are putting into your body has an impact as well.  I had always strived to create the biggest deficit possible in the past.  I now know that can be a mistake and lead to fatigue and ultimately failure.

But in my case what is more important is having the right mindset day in and day out.  Having the mental edge to make the right choices – to be able to talk yourself out of having seconds, and not running to get fast food because it is just easier.  Or to not reach over and grab the box of chz its and take handful after handful while writing a blog post. The last two weeks have made me think again how hard it is to be consistent with anything.  Jumping into something without being prepared can be a recipe for failure.  Personally I am tired of failing and am planning on success.  Why will this time be different?  Because I think just know it will be.

I certainly don’t claim to be an expert, but I don’t like to make the same mistakes twice. I can’t eat perfectly, but I will make up for my misdeeds – whether planned or not.  Like running a couple extra miles knowing that I’ll be enjoying a cupcake (or two) at a birthday party.  So if you see me reaching for something that someone on a “diet” shouldn’t, there is no need to question what I’m eating… but feel free to question if I earned it that day.  As I declared to my wife last night… this is not a diet – it’s a lifestyle change.

The goal is set, the plan is laid, the rest is up to me. The past is, well, the past.  It’s time to focus on tomorrow.

Next stop is 250lbs with a goal date of March 17th, 2014.  Perhaps a little luck from the Irish on St. Patty’s Day… or could there be another event that falls on that day?  Follow the blog via email for progress updates on Weight Loss Reboot 4.0.

Tubby – OUT