Sometimes life provides us with a smooth path to follow. It’s like a lightning bolt hit the ground ahead and illuminated the way. More often, though, there are potholes, pitfalls, and giant chasms strewn in our way. When weight loss is the goal, it seems like couches, favorite TV shows, not enough time to do all the things, and Snickers bars are rough spots along the path we are struggling to get down. Small things seem to morph into giant mountains. Don’t let the little things ruin your big goals. Getting through the mountains is the key to getting to our weight loss goals.
Get Back on Track
So, then, how do we get back on track? There isn’t just one answer. It takes a combination of tools to get past the obstacles. The most obvious, and the first one a lot of people resort to is to put your head down and push through. That works for a little while, but eventually, we all wander off into the weeds. Take a breather here if you need to but don’t give up! The path is still there. Get out your machete, cut down the weeds, and get back where you belong.
When the Weeds are Holding You Back
Here is where it gets tough. What if the machete is too dull to cut the weeds, or you forgot it at home right next to your healthy lunch? Resort to a different tool. One we all carry around but don’t always use. Forgive yourself. Permit yourself to keep slogging towards the weeds on the path instead of berating yourself for getting off track, to begin with. Sometimes this forgiveness can be hard to come by, so patience also factors in here. A lot of us haven’t had a lot of practice being kind to ourselves. Now is the time to get better at it.
Do Something Different
If the struggle is still despite the machete and forgiveness, alter your path altogether. If you are in a rut, move over a foot. Maybe that rut is a tired exercise routine or no routine at all. YouTube and Pinterest have a ton of great tutorials on fitness routines that can help you out. Taking a new class can be great too. If it feels like your diet is tired or dull, you can change how you eat. Find new recipes or new restaurants. Cook at home if you always eat out. Don’t let the same ole same ole pull you away from where you want to go.
Re-develop an Old Habit
I often find myself abandoning rituals or habits I was successful within the past. I didn’t leave them because they stopped working. I went to them because sometimes I have shiny object syndrome and need instant gratification. Re-establishing these habits is a great way to get back on the path. I’m guessing you have some of these routines or patterns you’ve tossed by the wayside too. Dust them off and set them back in place. It will help the route you wandered from come back into view.
Find a Buddy (Human or Electronic)
Having an accountability system can bring you back when you wander away from the road. Some people have gym buddies. Some have found someone online to check in with and talk over issues with. There are so many apps now that allow you to connect with people that are on the same path. Step trackers and smartwatches have added another layer to this accountability chain and also have a hybrid electronic/human feel since there are usually communities built into the app that tracks your tracker. You might have to try several to find one that sticks for you, but it will be so worth it if you do! If you need a place to start apps, here are some of the apps I have had the most success with.
Conclusion
Wandering off the path after a shiny object isn’t the end of the road. So many things can be done to help you get back where you want to be. Trying a variety will be the most successful. There aren’t two people in this world who are on the same journey, so mixing and matching methods are the best way to figure out what works for you.
Have you found your winning combo? Share it with us! If you haven’t and need help, this is the place to ask questions. We are in this together!
