Written by: Georgette LePage, Senior Level Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
As a Health & Life Coach, I have heard so many excuses why new clients tell me that they can’t lose weight: “It’s in my genes.” “I’ve always been at this weight.” “I’ve tried everything.” “I just can’t do this.” “I must not have enough willpower.” “I don’t deserve to be thinner.” “I always quit after a few days.” “Nothing has ever worked for me.” “This is just how I’m meant to be.” The list goes on and on for most people who want to lose weight. Obviously, it is easy to be discouraged with all of these excuses swirling around in your brain. After telling yourself a story in your mind for so long, you naturally begin to believe it. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be that way anymore. You have options.
Today, I offer you another perspective about finding a reason to lose weight instead of giving an excuse why it has not yet worked for you. If you see weight loss results as elusive, let’s start with WHY you think so. It might be that you are self-sabotaging your efforts, which means that you are standing in your own way. You are afraid of what might happen and what you will do with it once you do lose weight. It is so much easier to stay stuck in an old habit than to spend the time and energy on making a change. It takes courage, determination, effort, and a willingness to make mistakes along the way. Mistakes are nothing but lessons that actually bring you closer to your goal. Each misstep is an opportunity to learn and grow. When you allow yourself to make mistakes, you allow yourself to grow. Growing brings about change, which is the key to successful, long-lasting weight loss.
Most of us grew up trying to be perfect and determined to avoid making mistakes. It was how we were programmed to be. It was easier that way because we could play it safe and not take too many risks. We learned to stay in our lane. I’m thrilled to tell you that mistakes strengthen us and push us closer to our goals, especially when it comes to weight loss. This is how we figure things out and how we make changes that last.
Here are a few simple ways to get out of your own way so that you can start shedding some pounds right away!
1. Shift your mindset to “I can’t ever lose weight.” to “I haven’t lost the weight I want to YET.”
The power of YET is bigger than you might expect. This small but important change in perspective sets you up for success right away. Repeat the new open-minded phrase “I haven’t lost the weight I want to YET.” every morning and each time the old defeating thought pops into your head. Being aware of your thoughts is key.
2. Ditch the negative self-talk and wipe the slate clean of past limiting beliefs.
Give yourself the chance to do the work to make this weight loss journey work. Move aside and pour your energy into your weight loss plan. Don’t look back at the past, but focus on today (where you are now) and the future (where you want to be). Move forward!
3. Catch yourself when your storytelling gets out of control.
When you say, “I’ve tried everything and nothing works! Why bother?”, think about what you just said and examine it closer. We all know that no one has really tried everything to lose weight; it just might feel that way because that is the story we created in our minds. You’ve convinced yourself that you have, but truthfully you really haven’t. Clear the brain chatter that has been acting like an obstacle. Be willing to block out negativity and embrace new possibilities. (Caution: This powerful strategy will also show up in other areas of your life as an agent of change.Be ready to see other results, too.)
4. Good things take time, and so does healthy, long-lasting weight loss.
There is no quick fix that stays effective long term. Be careful of the traps on social media and the empty promises that some programs and people offer. Don’t always believe what you see in pictures. If it’s worth working on, it will take time. Embrace the process and expect it to take some time.
As the holidays approach, this is the best time to make some changes and get your weight loss started. Choose your goal, put a clear, simple plan in place, and be kind and patient as you embark on an experience that will lead you to better health on the inside and out. Be sure to get out of your own way and be willing to experience something different this time. Take one small step today and get going! Reach out to me at glepage7@me.com if you are ready to learn more about how we can get started together! You can do this!
Georgette LePage, Senior Level Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Georgette LePage is a certified Health and Life Coach who empowers women all around the world to lose their mental weight first in order to then lose their physical weight. Her approach is honest, real, clear, and genuine with transformational habit change and mindset reset methods. Georgette's energy and enthusiasm are contagious. Her focus on a healthy lifestyle inspires her clients to leave behind old diet culture thoughts and patterns in order to embrace fresh and simple ways to live their best lives without diet drama. Empowerment, self-confidence, and self-care are cornerstones of the programs that she offers. She helps her clients to get the results that they want with realistic, real-life strategies. She lives her own life the way she coaches others. She listens to what her clients want and guides them with compassion and accountability as they achieve their goals. She works with people of all ages (teens to seniors and every age in between) who are ready to live a healthier, more joyful life. Georgette also hosts the talk radio show WHY WEIGHT? with Dr. Pat Baccili on Transformational Talk Radio. In addition to speaking English, she also is fluent in French and Spanish. Georgette has 32 years of experience as a World Language Teacher, as well. Her coaching motto is: Feel better. Look better. Be your best self!
