Going to California

Face the facts and develop a strategy

Losing weight is a lot like going to California. Let me explain.

I hear you saying that you want to "lose some weight." Before you go to bed at night, you probably get on the scale and say to yourself: “Tomorrow, I need to start losing some weight.” You say the same thing in the morning. Maybe your doctor has even told you that you need to lose some weight. Maybe you have tried to lose some weight, but failed.

Notice how that phrase “lose some weight” keeps appearing? What on earth does that mean? Saying you want to lose some weight is like saying you want to walk around a little and hope to end up in California. Why? Because you have no concrete facts, no direction -- and no strategy for getting there.

How can I get to California?

Imagine that, one day, I tell you I want to go to California. A month later, you see me, and I’m still here. You ask me why I didn’t go to California, and I say: "I'm trying, but just can’t seem to make it. I go to bed every night, and wake up every morning, telling myself that I want to go to California. I’ve even started out a few times and have walked around the yard a bit. But, somehow, I never get to California."

This would exasperate you, I'm sure. You can see that I am missing some facts, here, and that I would be better off with a strategy. Otherwise, I'm never going to get to California. You decide to help me.

“Here’s what you need to know,” you tell me: 

1. Where are you now?
2. What direction is California from here?
3. How many miles away is California?
4. What are some ways to get to California: walk, bike, car, train, bus, airplane?
5. What steps do you need to take to get to California?

Once you know the facts, you can develop a strategy for actually getting to California. You can look at maps and plan the trip. You know how far it is. You can set off in the right direction, with the right method of transportation. Now you might actually GET to California, not just want to go, not just make a half-hearted attempt.

It's the same with losing weight

First, you need to know the facts:

1. Where are you now?
2. Exactly how much weight do you need/want to lose?
3. How long will it take to reach that goal?
4. What strategies are available to help you reach your weight goal?
5. What steps will you take to reach your weight goal?

I've heard people say they think it's okay to get off the track every so often because they can just begin again. That's true, but risky. Just like taking a trip to California. You can make side trips any time you want to. You can even head south, instead of west. That’s all okay, and may be lots of fun.

Just don’t be surprised, though, if you never make it to California!