Hello!
In continuing to think about success, I believe that we each have to define that for ourselves.
What does it mean?
What are we trying to accomplish?
How do we measure it?
What are we willing to do to achieve it?
I love Chapter 12 of "McDougall Program for Maximum Weight Loss" which is called Establishing a Healthy Way of Life. This chapter asks the reader to consider these factors and provides a checklist for behavioral changes associated with building better habits. It challenges each of us to consider how far we are willing to go. It lists certain changes and categorize them into "Serious Business" vs. "Half-Hearted Approach". Ultimately, it asks the reader to make a "contract" with themselves on the changes that they are willing to make.
Really cool approach - mindful and associates expected results with the changes that the reader is willing to make. I remember this chapter resonating with me way back when I first read the book -- somewhere around 2002. I am taking it seriously this time and being honest with myself about what I will do now and what opportunities for further change may still be open.
Here are the steps:
Step 1: Be Goal Oriented (p. 127)
* This goes through how to set goals - including identifying personal reasons as to why
* Identification of health goals - this lists a sprectrum of how much success - how long do you want to achieve the goal for, how much you want to relieve certain symptoms, how soon you want to accomplish these goals
* Selecting your motivating reasons for change (i.e., I only live once and I want to make the most out of my life, etc.)
Step 2: Acknowledge Your Willingness to Pay the Price (p. 131)
"There is no such thing as a free lunch."
* A checklist to help the reader understand his or her own willingness to pay the price... Half-hearted vs. serious business... (i.e., I will skin my chicken vs. I will avoid all oil like poison)
Step 3: Educate Yourself; Become an Expert
(p. 133)
"The more you understand about health, the greater your chance of permanent success."
Step 4: Visualize Yourself as Healthy (p. 134)
"Put this image in your mind often. The more you think of yourself as a healthy person, the more you will want to be that person and the harder you will work to achieve your goals."
Step 5: Make a Commitment: It's Magic (p. 134)
"Not until you have fully committed yourself to a path can you actually travel along it."
"You will be surprised at the way your environment responds to your commitment. Unexpected and incredibly supportive events occur."
"Remember that you fulfill commitment by remaining focused on your intention and goals. Plan ahead."
"Eat first when you're going to be confronted with rich foods. It will enable you to resist temptation."
Then, comes the commitment form and a great checklist for discarding excuses.
"I Like Being Fat."
"I'm Not Worth the Trouble."
"It's Out of My Control."
"It's Too Difficult to Change."
...
"The Mother of All Excuses and It's Solution." (p. 138)
"Let's face it, all these excuses boil down to one single excuse: We simply don't want to change. Change is scary. It takes us into the unknown. The unknown frightens us. Our current life may be filled with problems, but at least we know the problems we face. We're familiar with them. For the most part, we can cope with our current pains, failures, and disappointments. Deep down, we're secretly afraid that any new change will actually make our lives worse."
Step 6: Ensure That Your Environment Supports Your Goals (p. 139)
"Some people subscribe to the philosophy that if the cure doesn't hurt, it can't be working. When it comes to permanent changes in diet and lifestyle, the opposite philosophy is the best: The less painful the program, the more likely it is to succeed. Take steps to make your new life easier."
Step 7: Alter Your Coping Mechanisms
Step 8: Join a Support Group
Step 9: Reward Yourself (p. 141) - "You deserve rewards along the way."
Step 10: Keep it Simple (p. 141)
"You may be thinking that adopting my program will take a lot of work. You may be saying that you don't want to make life any more complicated than it is right now. But you do not realize how complicated it already is, and how simple you can make it by improving your health."
"Health is Everything (If You Lose It)"
Thank you, Dr. McDougall for this step by step guide to build our own roads to success. I have found value in reading these words of wisdom in addition to the specific dietary advice. This chapter provokes deep thinking -- and sets the stage for each reader to individually go through an exercise of mindfulness and consideration. Priceless!
)
So Woot Woot!!!
I guess then they have adjusted to what people are buying, but really??? Bulk candy? Isn't there already enough bagged candy??? (I also went to Fruit Market on Saturday and got what I couldn't find at grocery store...)
