A Strong “Why” Reveals the “How”
If you’ve ever thought “I just don’t understand why I can’t lose a few pounds,” then how much more clarity might you gain if there were a $1,000,000 prize on the line?
With a big incentive, you’d likely decide it’s worth the effort to figure out how to make it happen. Yet, we so often express frustration over how complicated weight loss can feel.
The human brain considers choices through a survival lens. When our ancestors lived in a cave, there was an evolutionary advantage to behave in accordance with the Motivational Triad which guides us above all else to:
1) Seek Pleasure, 2) Avoid Pain, and 3) Conserve Energy in order to subsist.
Here in the modern world, we have an excess of those things that used to keep us alive.
Food is a pleasure; in excess, it is actually killing us.
According to the National Institutes of Health, being overweight is the second leading cause of preventable death in the United States. It’s so easy today to find ourselves captivated on the couch, crunching snacks and the afternoon away!
From this primitive perspective, it makes perfect sense why we remain confused about how to lose weight. Our brain needs to get to work to gain clarity. And it takes a very compelling reason for it to even make the effort. Alas, we have to actually experience some pain and expend some energy to find answers.
If you want to lose weight, ask yourself Why?
Because when the why is strong enough, the how reveals itself.
And if you’re ready to take a step towards your goal, consider these three strategies:
GAIN CLARITY AROUND YOUR WHY - Why is it worth the effort? Think about how you’ll be feeling (e.g. energy, confidence, comfort) when you reach your goal.
FOCUS ON THE BENEFITS - Reflect on what you're GAINING rather than what you’re giving up. What is it you truly deserve? To feel well?
KEEP YOUR WHY CLOSE BY - Keep a growing list of all the benefits you’re enjoying along the way and that you are looking forward to experiencing. Review your reasons twice a day -- when you wake up, and before bed.
You’ll be amazed by what you’re capable of accomplishing with a managed mind. Give your brain a useful question and it’ll get to work finding the solution.
Choose clarity over confusion.
You’ve got this!