The journey isn't easy, but it's simple if we learn how to enjoy the process. I was inspired by Tamela Mann from the OWN T.V. show "Girlfriends Check-In." She discussed her weight-loss journey with her girlfriends and spoke about learning how to enjoy working out.
This new journey we are embarking on doesn't seem fun at the beginning. In reality, it's not going to be fun at the beginning, maybe exciting because we visualize the result. But the first week or so can take forever. So, how do we enjoy our process? How do we begin to enjoy our workouts? It's simple. Yes, easier said than done but simple.
I am going through the same pattern. Here are a few things that helped me endure and enjoy the process, and I hope this helps you as well.
1. Pray and Listen.
God knows what we desire when it comes to our fitness and nutrition journey. He knows we want a "sexy" body and want to become the best versions of ourselves. He's God; He's all-knowing. Praying helps us stay on course. Our prayers should merely ask Him for wisdom and understanding. Tell Him what you're dealing with. Express to Him that you have the desire but no push. But thank Him for already providing you the tools and pathways to get started and continue. Trust in Him and don't lean on your own understanding, but in all that you do, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path. (Proverbs 3:5) Trust me, it works!
2. Identify, Accept but Change.
Little do we know, our weaknesses and behaviors can get in the way of enjoying the process. Unfortunately, we tend to accept them as if there's nothing we can do about it. Not true. If we identify our weaknesses and check our behaviors, we can quickly learn how to turn those fences into avenues that benefits our journey. Recognizing, accepting, and acknowledging the possible change of our weaknesses and poor habits is a part of the process. So, let's enjoy it.
3. Get to know your body
This is the perfect time to learn more about yourself and your body. First, learn how your body reacts to certain foods, exercises, and sleep times. Then, keep a journal and track your progress. At least once or twice a week, you should review your previous steps and take hold of what worked and what didn't. This action helps us make better decisions and leads to goal-setted results.
4. Stay off the scale
Stop tracking your weight every day. Our bodies are unique, so we may not experience a dramatic change within one month. When we began our new journey, the body will get confused, and our weight may go up and down. Please know that this is a part of the process, don't get upset because the scale only decreased to 5lbs or less; stay consistent.
5. Stop Punishing yourself
Back to point number 2, we all have our weaknesses. So you may tread back to an old habit within several weeks; don't beat yourself up. Instead, enjoy that snack or meal, but the next time make a better choice. Also, if you skip a workout, don't get upset. Instead, get up, move and worry less. Finally, keep in mind poor decisions are part of the process. Learn from those decisions and move forward.
6. Get and Move
Start training your body to move. Get it back to what it was created to do in the first place. We don't have to perform a structured workout to move. A simple walk for 30 to 60 minutes or cleaning of the home will do. This will take your mind off of your next meal or your goal. If you can move your body, move! No excuses; point, blank, and period.
7. Transparency
It's you, yourself, and God. Be honest with Him and be real with yourself. If you hate working out, acknowledge it but don't sit on it. Find ways to move your body that allows you to have fun; if you hate meal prep or drinking smoothies, it's okay. Don't allow your weakness or your "hate to-dos" to be the only avenue to keep you from succeeding in your journey. Transparency helps the process.
I hope this helps you keep started. Laugh, smile, cry, scream but don't give up! UnyqProcess understands how this can be a challenge for many. But as long as you're consistent in your journey, open to learn and honor the possibility of change, the process will smooth out. Learn how to enjoy the process because it's unique, it's different, and it's YOURS.
Be Bless.