I always look forward to getting my letter's from Kathy. I must say that this event will be ending soon, and I am going to miss it, but I am so grateful to learn to LOVE my body, and I know now, I needed to be taught DISCIPLINE "thanks Tim". Kathy Smith has been staying in Park City, Utah to launch her new mission with NextFit: Lets get America Moving! I have had the honor being coached by Kathy Smith, Tim Misewicz, and Dori Madsen, and many more. I want to share with you the letter of motivation and the knowledge of one great and incredible woman Kathy Smith...
Think Progress, Not Perfection.
Julie,
I'd like to thank you for sharing your hopes, goals, and challenges with me as we approach the finish line of your 12-week program (which by itself is a wonderful accomplishment, by the way).
One of the thoughts I've heard several times is that some people feel that they have made progress, but may not yet have reached their more aggressive goals for the 12-week program.
Anything worth accomplishing takes time, patience, and perspective, especially when the goal involves a lifestyle change. The thought of losing weight or getting into shape, for example, can be overwhelming.
This is when it is important to think progress, not perfection. Always remember that all the little changes you make will add up to large changes overall. This process does not happen overnight. Your success will be cumulative.
Think inside out.
Don't forget too that as you make slight shifts in your life, a tremendous amount of invisible activity goes on inside your body. If you're trying to lose weight and get into shape, you may not see results as quickly as you want on the outside of your body, yet you are retraining your body's metabolic pathways to more efficiently metabolize food and burn fat.
You are changing your body on both a cellular and hormonal level. Don't beat yourself up if you can't stay laser-focused on a busy day when life gets in your way of healthy eating. Just stay centered on the positive:
You are exercising most days of the week now and you are eating in a way that is good for your body. One day (or even a few days) won't set you back in the grand scheme of things. Remind yourself that you are still moving forward.
Put success on the schedule.
Find concrete adjustments that you can build into your weekly routine that will contribute to your success. Call friends to schedule workout dates, write on your calendar (or in your Success Journal) the days you are going to use your keychain trainer and mix it up using a new trainer or style of exercise. Do your grocery shopping on the weekend to stock your fridge so you're ready for the week. And throughout your week, whenever possible, get outdoors - for a hike, a walk (with or without the dog) or a jog around the neighborhood - you'll be surprised what a little fresh air can do for your sense of well-being, and anything that increases physical activity on a regular basis is a gift to yourself.
Think big.
We all get sidetracked once in a while. That's OK. We become frustrated by the little stuff - like fitting into a certain dress size or seeing a specific number on the scale - and forget to consider the larger picture. Stay focused and remember the vision you have for yourself - to be healthier, more vibrant, and more energized, in a way that you can sustain for life. When we move from having a constant microscope on ourselves to appreciate a broader perspective, we can usher in a passionate attitude that has the effect of keeping us from fixating on the negative.
This Week's Goal: Write it out!
Think for a moment about all you've accomplished in over the course of your program in different terms. Set numbers aside for a moment and think about how things have changed. How do you feel on days you work out? How has your relationship to exercise changed?
Take a moment to jot down one paragraph about what you have already achieved in the last 10 weeks. This will help you shift your focus from what you haven't yet accomplished to the real, meaningful things you've achieved in this short time.
I think you'll be surprised when you take stock of how you feel, your energy level, and your general outlook over the last 10 weeks. This week, pay attention to the progress you've made, and let these thoughts be carry you through the more difficult moments.
