Some tough love coming your way – Enough is enough!
Let’s face it: Those few extra pounds are actually ruining your life. You snore while you sleep and you wake up exhausted. You rarely find the energy to do anything besides what you absolutely need to do and everything you do runs you out of breath.
While we are at it, let’s also admit that your weight is also enforcing many unflattering and unhealthy life choices. You rely on medications for more than one health issues and are terribly tired of hearing your doctor telling you to lose weight. Your rarely find the right fitting clothes and your wardrobe is limited to stretchy/spandex clothes. However, no matter how well you are able to conceal that flab with those body-shaping products, you are not pleased with what you see when you look in the mirror. Deep down you know your weight is a problem you can’t overlook for too long.
Now that we are done with this much-needed reality check, let’s get ready to take the bull by the horns (no puns intended)! Accepting the existence of a problem and the fact that you need to solve it is the first step towards a positive transformation. You need to make a plan and then stick to that plan, which is only possible when you are fully prepared to take that leap.
So, let’s check if you are ready for a total transformation.

Create a Readiness Checklist
You need to prepare your mind and body to get in the right spirit. There are a few steps you need to ensure in order to get ready for the big change.

If you have checked all three of this list, you are good to move ahead!
However, it’s important that you understand that despite your will to move forward you fail to anticipate certain factors that might sabotage your journey.
Overcome the Three Big Obstacles
There are three of such major sabotaging factors that we typically don’t see as a threat to our fitness plan – it’s the people you surround yourself with, the environment you create around you and YOU!
The People
The very same friends and family who encourage you to lose weight can also be your downfall. Intentionally or unintentionally, they might question or even mock your lifestyle. While they may not mean ill, they might ask ridiculous questions such as “why do you have to wake up so early”, “why are you depriving yourself of all those delicious dishes”, “why don’t you party anymore” and “love the way you are”.
What’s worse is that when you manage to lose some weight and you start hearing things like “you are getting so skinny”, “this cannot be healthy”, “you need to stop starving” and my personal pet-peeve, “It’s not womanly to lift weights”.
Remember, people are quick in sharing their opinions not always out of envy, but out of care as well. Nevertheless, comments like these can make or break a person, but you must stand by your goal because it’s important to YOU. Others might not be able to adjust to your changing habits and lifestyle even though it’s good for you – and it should not matter. You don’t need to explain yourself to anyone, because only ‘YOU’ know what you are trying to accomplish.
The Environment
Most employed people spend about 40 hours a week in the office. Trying to live healthy with such a schedule can be extremely challenging. Remind yourself the reason you’re doing what you are doing and it will help you stay grounded.
I remember a time when my team and I had to travel out of town. On the way from the airport to the hotel, I requested for us to pull over at a grocery store so I could stock up on water. After this episode, I was nicknamed “The Camel” which felt extremely offensive. However, I firmly believe that actions speak louder than words and explaining yourself is not important – people don’t understand anyway. Don’t bother wasting your energy and time on that.
Speaking of corporate setting, there is a lot of peer pressure of indulging in activities everyone else is enjoying – free drinks, team lunches, happy hour, dinners, etc. It is important to stay away from these traps. Learn to say “no”.
YOU
More often than not, we become our own worst enemy without even realizing. We procrastinate and make a million excuses as to why we don’t can’t work out or eat healthy. Unfortunately, it is a job no one else can do for you. You’re the one who has to work out even though it might not be your favorite activity. It’s you who has to put the slice of pizza down and start eating healthy foods like vegetables and lean protein. Yes, it is you who needs to say “no”.
If you want something, you should want it so bad that you’re willing to do anything for it. Being fit requires sacrifice whether you like it or not. It is important to remember that good things don’t come easy. The saying “easy come, easy go” does NOT apply to weight loss. It is EASY to put on the pounds, but it’s NEVER EASY to lose them.
Be true to what makes you happy and always surround yourself with people who believe in you and support your journey.
Block out all the extra noise and focus on what matters i.e. your fitness goal!

Working on your health and fitness goal and don’t know where to start? Contact me at jane@janemukami.com to schedule time to chat.