Challenge Youself

I had someone misunderstand something I said recently and subsequently challenge me to a 60 before and after picture face off.  I have no interest in anything like that but it did make me think about how we constantly compare ourselves to others.  We look for approval and get ego satisfaction when people have positive thoughts about us.  On the other hand, we can feel deflated or less than when we think that people think we're a certain way or are less attractive than someone else.  I'm certainly no better than anyone else when it comes to this phenomenon.  I want people to like me.

What I have learned over the years is that there will be people who for whatever reason don't like you.  That's ok.  What's important is that you like yourself.    Develop a healthy self image.  "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him.; male and female he created them" (Genesis 1:27).  This continues to come up - I know people who continue to put themselves down.  It hurts to see them in so much pain and all I can do is be supportive and continue to encourage them.  This whole thing is NOT a competition with anyone other than yourself (or myself).  Just try to do better than yesterday.  Each of us has our own individual journeys.  Don't make this about anyone else.  This is about you.  Challenge yourself.  Challenge your thinking and challenge any and all excuses.  Changing behavior is tough - one of the toughest things that you'll ever do.  Your mind will begin to work against you - mine has been a struggle all week.  I'm told that it will be like this until the workouts become a habit.  So this week, I'm going to plan out my menu completely for the week (3 meals and 2 snacks every day).  That means I need to shop and prepare ahead where possible.  I'm also going to drink 84 oz of water each day (and nothing else).  Eat dinner by 8.  Bed by 11 to get at least 7 hours of sleep.  I'll workout first thing each morning (including on Thanksgiving).  I'm having dinner at my house so I also need to make sure I stick to my plan that day as well to ensure I don't overeat.


No matter how much or how little weight you want to lose, it is a struggle to change your habits and make lasting life changes.  I'm hoping that this will be a good way to take the guesswork out of it.  Plan,  execute, tweak.  Plan, execute, tweak.