If you’re just browsing and come across this post, I’m a probation officer by day a realtor on weekends and evenings and a coach always. Want to know more about where I’m coming from? Perhaps you’ll get a better idea by going HERE.
“EMPOWERMENT COMES WITH ACCOUNTABILITY”
I’ve got these words on a sign in my office positioned in such a place to offer a silent challenge to some clients before they consider opening their mouth and giving me incredibly creative stories that boil down to excuses. It offers dignity to people who want to feel empowered, own their baggage, and have some measure of control over where they go from here.
BUT…
The sign is also there to remind me that I also have the same opportunity to become empowered in my life… IF I want to own my baggage.
EXCUSE-MODE IS NOT ATTRACTIVE
This certainly does not apply to all my clients, but I have some who are simply unwilling to take responsibility for their circumstances, and they remain stuck. Popular blame-games people play are blaming the legal system (which I am not a fan of); blaming law-enforcement (which shouldn’t always get a pass because they wear a badge); or blaming an ex-spouse or partner. With those who I’ve been able to build rapport with, I’m blunt about how pathetic it looks when they bring excuse after excuse to the office. I find myself feeling sorry for them in the midst of my annoyance, and I realize how far they really are from creating breakthrough in their lives. On the flipside, I find a healthy respect and admiration for those willing to own their baggage.
Then, I start wondering what I look like when I’m coming up with my own personal list of excuses for not following through in my pursuit of certain goals. Do I really sound that pathetic? Chances are… “yeah Gordon, you do!”
Well, the last time I posted about 6-weeks ago, I wrote about how Hopeless Has To Start Somewhere. As I think about that title…it does sound kind of whiney, doesn’t it? I mean…really? Hopeless? Sounds a bit dramatic, but for those like myself who struggle mustering the strength to take those first steps into a productive habit…they do sometimes feel like the hardest steps to take.
It’s so much easier going “Jim Carey” on myself and “kicking my ass” (Scene from Liar Liar) about what I’m not doing. For the past 18-20 months, I’ve done exactly that as I reflected on how amazing the journey was to lose almost 80lbs through simple everyday habits such as portion-control eating, sustainable exercise, and cutting down (not out) the sugar intake.
Now…over 30lbs heavier than that lightest weight, I’m still 45lbs down from my heaviest, but my God, where did that guy go? I haven’t been able to find that disciplined, motivated guy within me for so long I wondered if he was gone for good.
HEART ATTACK
Then, a couple weeks ago, I suffered a heart attack. After digesting the facts that I had a 99% blockage in one artery and 40% in another, it appears I found Mr. Motivated once again. It begs the question though…did I really need a major crisis in order to find the motivation once again?
Regardless, here I am, one day at a time, making the right decisions, seeing progress, feeling empowered that I do have what it takes inside to accomplish my health and activity goals. It feels incredible to experience that motivated guy once again…and I know I must be mindful every hour of every day because I’ve experienced first-hand, losing that guy and wondering if he’ll ever return.
I’M AN ADDICT
Several posts back, as I struggled with finding my way, I came to the conclusion I am no different from an addict. Read about the ADDICT here. An addict has to be so mindful at all times. They must see the red flags in all social settings and know where the escape door is located. I’m no different even though my red flags are different because we’re talking about food and health…and it’s just as important that I see them and react accordingly.
For those of us who want to find freedom in the area of weight, health, etc. we really must be on guard against our triggers at all times. Taking a casual approach and allowing indiscretions is dangerous…falling off the wagon is falling off the wagon…it doesn’t matter what the addiction is really.
Today, I created a new sign I will be hanging in my office…it’s the picture at the head of this post…because for those of us who really want change in our lives…there really is no option for excuses.
As I say often, I appreciate you taking the time to read what I have to say. If you’re following me, please know it encourages me that what I’m trying to do for me may also be of encouragement to others.
Comment…share your battle, share your victories, share your perspective. Love to hear it.
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