Working in retail like I do makes your routine so important. My life has changed a lot recently so my old routine just doesn't cut it any more. Since before the xmas there has been so much going on in my life that it feels like there isn't enough time in the world to get through all of it.
There is a show in Ireland called "Operation transformation". It's a great watch and takes 6 people through their 8 week journey to lose weight and transform their life. I'm not usually one for reality tv but this isn't done from a morbid view of how they have gotten so bad. It's more a personal journey for each of the weight loss leaders and involves the whole country through events and initiatives.
The leaders are all on the bad side of obesity and need to change something before they go too far. It's been going on for the past few years and culminates in a 5k park run in the final week. A fair achievement considering most of the people are starting off near to the 20 stone mark.
Watching it for the past few years there are a few things that strike me about the people involved. In all of the cases there is a lot more going on behind the scenes than just laziness. For me it wouldn't cut it as an excuse but in their lives something has happened to put them down this path. Trauma, loss, depression. during the 8 weeks it all comes out. The people get taken apart both mentally and physically as they try to change for a healthier life.
The other thing that comes across in all cases is how bad their daily routines are. From having a press full of sweets to coming in from work and hitting the couch for the rest of the evening. Every one of the people made terrible choices on a daily basis. Everybody is entitled to have their lazy days but if that becomes the norm then it will only end up one way.
To change their life they first need to change their mentality and routine. Making the small changes that lead to big results. Changing the sweets into fruit. Going for a walk instead of watching that movie. They don't go for an extreme change but instead set up a far healthier routine that they can maintain going into the future. Drastic changes are no good as they won't last. You can't just go 90 in the other direction and expect to stick with it. It's better to set up a good routine that's manageable and stick to it over the long term. That is how you achieve success.
Doing the small things right over a long period of time. Just some food for thought.
