A Weight Loss Journey

Weight Loss – The Essential Motivation Handbook

“What you are is what you have been. What you’ll be is what you do now.” – Buddha

Post by Leo Babauta.

I’m excited to announce that the companion to my best-selling Zen To Done ebook is released today: The Essential Motivation Handbook.

I’m releasing this new ebook along with co-author Eric Hamm of the Motivate Thyself blog, as a way to help those who are trying to be more productive and to reach their goals, but are having problems finding the motivation to stay on track.

That’s most of us, I’m sure you’d agree. This ebook will solve those problems.

There isn’t a better ebook on motivation in existence. Buy it here: The Essential Motivation Handbook. Click here to view more details

I bought the e-book last night and started devouring it first thing this morning. I’m only on page 16 so far, but have already found many ideas that truly resonate with me. I highly recommend reading it for yourself.

In the second chapter of this book, Leo talks about using public pressure to motivate yourself. He even goes so far as to suggest that you post your goal on your blog, and then post regular updates to stay accountable.

OK – here goes . . .

I plan to start each and every work day with a 30-minute exercise session in the warm water pool on Highway 34 in Greeley, Colorado.

That’s all, no more details, no additional pressure of scattering of focus. Updates to follow . . .

Fast-forward to the next morning . . . “Oh, yes! That was a good plan!”
I actually took the time to pack my work clothes, breakfast and lunch, files, papers, devices, towels, lotions, and potions . . . and had my newly-determined self standing at the door to the swimming pool at 6:30 a.m. It was wonderful, warm pool, lots of space to move around, lots of light streaming in the windows. It was so good, in fact, that I think I might try it again tomorrow.

relax . . . .

An intervention, that is.

I highly recommend that you get yourself an intervention too.

When last we spoke, I shared with you all that I felt in serious need of an “intervention.”  I felt physically exhausted and mentally overwhelmed.  I was desperate for a change and a recharge.

Over this last weekend, I made a special point to ask for some help, and to tell all those folks who are generally (kindly) demanding of my time and attention, that I needed some time for myself, to do the things that I needed and wanted to do. 

I slept late.  I took naps.  I puttered around the house, cleaning up all those little messes that nag at me and drain my energy.  I took care of my nutritional needs by feeding myself good, nutritious food instead of trying to force myself to eat something that was on my plan, or that was low carb, or low fat, or low calorie, or whatever.  It’s amazing how much better I feel emotionally when I give myself a break once in a while.

I also spent the better part of the weekend moving and using my muscles.  I planted those little seedlings that should have been planted a month ago,  I pulled weeds, and chopped dirt clods.  I helped my husband build a fence on the back yard, I moved rocks.  (I even cleaned up my email!)

I also spent quite a bit of time playing with my toddler granddaughter . . . non-productive, non-directed, great fun for both of us.  I forget and so need to be reminded once in a while how good it feels to be silly and giggle and tickle and laugh for no reason other than just ‘cuz.

Now that I’ve had what I lovingly refer to as my intervention, my energy and motivation have returned.

Feeling Better

So, here’s my prescription for you in a nutshell.

- sleep—until you feel rested, get up when you wake up, not when an alarm rings

- eat—exactly what you want, and exactly how much you want . . . fuel without gorging.

- work—at the edge of your capacity, and then push it just a tiny bit

- finish—complete those little jobs that linger in your mind and sap your energy

- enjoy—have some fun, play with your pets, family and friends

- laugh—loud, hard, and often

When you are also feeling rejuvenated, let’s hit that weight loss thing again.

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Zen Habits is one of the Top 100 blogs on the Internet, and covers: achieving goals, productivity, being organized, GTD, motivation, eliminating debt, saving, getting a flat stomach, eating healthy, simplifying, living frugal, parenting, happiness, and successfully implementing good habits.

Leo Babauta, owner of Zen Habits, has written a wonderful ebook on motivation. You can buy it here:
The Essential Motivation Handbook.
Click here to view more details