I’m often approached by people who want to lose weight.
They ask how I did it and how I’ve kept the weight off ever since. There’s hundreds, even thousands, of infomercials out there showing out of shape people whipping in to shape.
For the most part, yeah sure, they’re regular people. What’s a common message among these commercials is the phrase, “If I can do it, so can you”, or something to that extent. For the most part, it is true, but what is neglected in these messages is what it takes to get there.
Achieving any goal in life cannot be taken lightly.
It must be expected that it’s going to be a challenge, it’s going to be tough and it’s not going to come easy. Anything in life that’s worth something is not going to be easy.
If what I’m saying is already starting to discourage you, then maybe this blog isn’t for you. Maybe it is and all you need is a means of gaining back your self-esteem.
Getting in shape will definitely give you that back. But what are you willing to give in order to get there?
If you’ve read my book “10 Pounds a Week“, then you know that I weighed in at a whopping 210 pounds. Personally, that was unacceptable. I’ve gotten used to being made fun of for my weight and I’ve also gotten used to the stress and low self-esteem that came with it.
But one day there was a snap. Something inside of me was telling me to make a change in my life.
Before that, however, I recall a time when I was visiting my family in the Philippines and we were all out by the beach. We all rode the Caritella, or a cart that was pulled by a horse.
Something you need to know about the horses in the Philippines is that they’re very skinny and frail looking, and here was this 200 plus pound American being pulled along. What’s even worst is that the locals were looking at me and laughing.
It was such a humiliating experience but I believe it was necessary. This event was one of the triggers that got me to take action in my life. Three months later, I was watching Rocky II and I was really touched by Balboa’s character.
Rocky Balboa had a goal, Apollo Creed, and he knew that he doesn’t stand a chance against him. With his wife sick, it totally derailed his training and all hope was lost.
It wasn’t until his wife told him to “Win” that something sparked in Rocky.
This scene is permanently embedded in my head as this is the catalyst for my drive. He got up with Mickey and they trained. He always goes at it and is ready to die just to accomplish his goal.
I took that to heart and I was ready to die losing my weight before I even let my being Fat kill me. I remember telling myself that they’re either going to see my body laying on the street or they’re going to see me in better shape.
I found my drive, my passion, and my heart. All that mattered is that I made a start and I put my heart into it, and that I was ready to die for what I was working toward.
Find your start. It doesn’t matter where you start! It can be jogging, cycling or even yoga.
All that matters is that you find your catalyst, your spark, your drive and go with it.
Since that day, I’ve conquered my goals, I’ve achieved more and I’m still Alive. You can either make your life worst, or you can make it better.
If you’re to take away something from your experiences in life, take away the lessons you learn and strive for a better tomorrow. Live Strong, Live Hard, and Live Free.
