Over the last few years I gained some weight that I really didn’t want hanging around anymore. Feeling good and living a long time are priorities, and since several people in my family have diabetes and/or heart disease, I knew I needed to get it together.
Anyone closing in on 40 knows it’s harder than just trading fries for salad for a few days to tighten things back up. I tried a few quick fixes, changed my diet (slightly for a short period of time #confession), and stayed active. I bought new cook books and asked my friend who’s a nutritionist to help me figure out what to eat based on what I like and don’t like.
I actually gained weight! I didn’t understand what the problem was. How could I be going backwards?! I was doing the “right” things!
I was frustrated. I should just know how to lose weight, right? I mean, everyone knows how to do this- eat better and work out. I decided to Google weight loss tips. I’m a very self-motivated person so I thought I would be able to find something to help me figure this out. I read some articles, nothing I hadn’t heard before.
It felt like I was doing a lot. Changed some habits, did some research, REALLY wanted it. Why wasn’t this working? Why wasn’t it sinking in? Why was I backsliding?
I thought I should be able to do this myself, and it made me feel terrible that I couldn’t. It’s not rocket science. In reality, I was thinking about it way more than I was taking action (p.s. thinking about losing weight kills more time than fat cells).
Finally, I broke down and signed up for Weight Watchers. I’d heard a lot of good things about it so, why not. I just got to a point where I needed to do something different. I was ready to do something different. I set my pride aside and came to terms with the fact that I didn’t know the best way to do this, and my random knowledge and online inspiration were no longer enough. It was time to take action and ask for help. To get a coach, shell out a few bucks, and get committed.
I paid for three months upfront. It’s been one so far and I’ve lost about 10 lbs. I feel really great! I’m excited and heading in the right direction. I am more committed because I have real direction, and support to go along with it. Weight Watchers is my coach.
Looking back, I’ve done this several times throughout my life. When I finally hired an accountant to do my taxes I paid out less, even with the cost of the accountant. When we worked with a professional to finish the drywall in our basement it saved us time and looks better than it would have if we’d done it ourselves, adding more value to our home.
Every time I’ve said yes to working with a professional I gained time, money, and dramatically reduced my stress level. It’s happening as we speak with weight loss. Of course, I’m probably more committed because I’m paying for the help, but I’ve learned so much about portion control and nutrition that will stay with me forever. So far, the best money I’ve spent in a long time, huge ROI.
People ask me all the time, “What is a life coach?” My experience with Weight Watchers is exactly what a life coach can do for you. Coaches help you go from where you are now to where you want to be by asking targeted questions to help you move forward faster. It doesn’t have to be a long-term engagement, just long enough to get you committed to taking the right action steps for your specific situation. Better yet, you will have the knowledge and perspective you gain through working with a coach at your disposal for the rest of your life. Again, huge ROI.
If you’ve been thinking about working with a coach for personal growth, professional development or emotional wellness, schedule a free phone conversation, I may be able to help. Or check out my other Revelations, you might find just the inspiration you’re looking for.
Have you had an experience where you finally decided to ask for help and it turned out to be great, or maybe not so great? Let me know in the comments.
