While watching a particular show which involves people getting their butts handed to them in order to "Lose the Biggest" amount of weight, I came to a sad realization. People would rather ignore their weight problem and the diseases created by it then do something about it. I do not think I am wrong in assuming that most human beings KNOW that being even slightly overweight can, and most times will, lead to a number of health issues down the road. Diabetes, heart disease, joint and muscle problems, the list goes on and on.
I have always liked the quote "Knowledge is Power", but I think a better quote would be "Knowledge is important, but action is the true power".
Denial is a scary behavior. One of the "contestants" knew he had health issues, but would never go to the doctor to find out for sure. His family begged him to go, but he didn't want to face the facts. It was easier for him to live in denial. Turns out, he is the most unhealthiest of the participants and he is under 30 years old.
My initial emotional response to him and his situation was pure anger. I thought to myself,
"What kind of person has the knowledge and understanding that what he is doing to his body is slowly killing him and still doesn't do anything about it?"
After my anger wore off, I watched as he broke down in tears and I began to realize that the emotional toll he was dealing with was far greater then the physical toll his weight had on his body. He knew his behavior, his habits, and his lifestyle had to change.
And then something happened.
He wanted to take ACTION!
All of a sudden you could see the fight in him begin to grow, to take form. The motivation that is in all of us started to take over his entire being. He wasn't going to live in denial any more. It was awesome to watch.
Some people are happy with themselves regardless of their weight, their level of fitness, or their health. Unfortunately, a vast majority of people are extremely unhappy with themselves. This doesn't have to be the case. It all comes down to making small decisions on a consistent basis to create big change. Willpower, or more importantly, when your desire to get healthy becomes strong enough to overcome your past failures, is the true key to lasting change; a turning point in life so to speak.
SO START RIGHT NOW!
Park your car in the outskirts of every single parking lot, take the stairs, walk your dog(s), take your kids to the park and actually play with them, ride a bike, eat fruits and vegetables instead of chips and doughnuts. Substitute water for soda. Work out. Don't finish your plate; save half for later.
We have all heard these things and KNOW that they will help, but now is the time to start DOING them!
Subscribe to a fitness magazine, join an online workout group to stay accountable and motivated. DO SOMETHING! Go extreme and start one of those insane fitness programs you see on TV. Being overweight and unhealthy is not a CONDITION, it is a choice.
I love watching the transformation stories people continue to post. It motivates me to work harder and I get a true sense of pride in the human condition. People are truly amazing when they finally make a decision and take action.
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