What would you give? (guest post)

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I love the interwebs, even more so over the past several years with the advent of social media growing so much.

It makes the world a much smaller place.

Without the interwebs, I likely would never have met any of the phenomenal fitbloggers I’ve had the joy of meeting in person, like our own MizFit (don’t EVEN get me started on how muchI freaked out excited I was when she asked me to write a guest post here – OMG!), our FitBloggin’ rock star Roni, or my amazing fellow writers over at the Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans.
Not only have I met so many amazing new friends, but it’s also afforded me the opportunity to reconnect with some amazing people from my past.

As an example, last year I reconnected via Facebook with a couple of friends that I worked with about 15 years ago when I was living in Nashville working in the music industry. Of the three of us, only one still remains in Nashville. I moved on to California and the other is now living in Portland, Oregon.

Last week, the friend living in Portland posted a photo of herself on Facebook from 14 or 15 years ago. I commented saying something along of lines of, “Oh, that’s the girl I remember!”

She left a follow-up comment saying, “What I’d give to look like that again. Apparently getting off my ass and eating right isn’t what I’d give. ;-)”

At first, I just giggled at her comment and left her a little wink comment back.

The more I thought about it though, it really gave me pause for deeper consideration.

I mean, we’ve all said that line (or something similar) in our lives. “Oh, I’d give anything to __________.”

Just fill in the blank with whatever goal/dream you like.

I’ve even said it before about my own weight loss, “I’d give anything to just be done with the weight loss portion of my journey so I could work on maintenance instead for a change!”

Since we’ve all been there, the question then becomes, what WOULD I really give to meet my weight loss goals?

Am I willing to give up a little more sleep in the morning to get up early to exercise?

If morning workouts aren’t a good option, then am I willing to give up that favorite TV show at night to get in a workout in the evening?

Am I willing to give up a little extra time each day to prepare my own meals rather than relying on picking up take-out or convenience foods?

Am I willing to give up that one (or more) particular red-light food that calls my name that I can’t seem to control?

I’m mean, seriously, if it isn’t in the house then I can’t eat it, so why do I buy it in the first place?!

Given I’ve been playing with the same 5-10 pounds for nearly a year, clearly I haven’t really been willing to give anything to meet my goals. Apparently all I’m actually willing to give it a lot of good lip service.

Perhaps you’re already at your ideal weight and aren’t on weight loss journey.

Perhaps you’re interested in improving your fitness, taking up running, doing that first triathlon, etc.

Perhaps you’ve said to yourself, “I’d give anything to run a marathon.”

So, what are you really willing to do?

Are you willing to give up some time a couple of times during the week to get in some shorter distance runs or do hill work?

Are you willing to give up a chunk of time on the weekend to get in a longer run?

The bottom line is this, lip service never got anything accomplished.

Only through hard work and dedication can we reach our goals.

So, what are you REALLY willing to give in order to reach your goals?

 

By day, Mel works full-time as an IT manager in the aerospace industry. She made the decision last year to continue her education, so by night, she is also a full-time student pursuing a degree in Information Technology in preparation to enter an MBA program with an emphasis on IT Management. In her spare time (ha!), Mel enjoys doing needlework (cross-stitch and needlepoint), reading on her Kindle, and playing Angry Birds or Bejeweled on her iPhone or iPad. Oh yeah, did I mention Mel is an uber-geek, ‘cuz she is!

Mel is a Contributing Writer for The Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans and blogs about her personal weight loss journey at melgetsfit.com. You can also find her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter.

 

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Comments

  1. I really appreciate this article – particularly this week – because I am really trying to answer that question for myself. What am I willing to give? I started med school a few weeks back and have been only getting in 3-4 workouts (whereas I was getting in 6+) each week. And the truth is, something has got to give. It seems these last two days in particular, my study breaks consisted of sleep or watching TV when perhaps a more effective study break would have been to workout. instead I have been lazy. you’ve got me thinking. I need to give something, and it cant be studying – so what else can I give 😉

    -@Ashleysh22

  2. After a rough summer I’ve needed to ask myself the same question. Giving up the “freedom” to make decisions instead of actually making them is a huge problem but I’m working on it…NOW!

  4. Great post, I am struggling to keep on track with my goals. My weekend wasn’t stellar and I know I have to let go of this funk I am in and redirect my energy back to the positive and more scheduled regime I am used to.

  5. Excellent post, Mel! I needed this reminder today. It brings to mind another theme that I need to reflect on: moment of truth. How will you act in that moment of truth–when someone brings donuts into work, when you are tired, when you crave nachos–will you take action that is consistent with your goals or will you give in to the moment.

  6. Love this post! Honestly, I do all in my power for my fitness & health endeavors. But what I am willing to give up to make money & get a job.. harder.. not my health & fitness so I am poor & no job right now cause I won’t settle & sometimes I think I best cause I will be out on the street if I don’t. Hard choices. Thx for sharing!

  7. Someone once told me the story that a woman approached Vladimir Horowitz and told him, “I’d give my life to be able to play like you do.” His response? “Madam, I have.”

    Those who accomplish great things give up a lot to focus on the goal.

    Excellent post.

  8. Yes, it’s all about being willing to delay instant gratification for a future reward – that’s one of the lessons I think I’ll be working on my whole life! And I *heart* Messymimi’s comment!

  9. Brilliant….really. Anything can be done, but the will must be there. Example: I wanted to run a marathon more than anything. It took me four years to get myself in shape enough to run that marathon. Four years of running and training. I was willing to do whatever it took and I did it. Much blood, sweat, and tears were poured but it CAN be done. Losing weight CAN be done. Eating healthy CAN be done. Committing to a workout CAN be done. Having said that, only I…ME…can make those things happen. That is when the talk stops and the action starts. Loved the post.

  11. Too true. For many years I though “I wish I could do that”…then realised I could if I just made it a priority. That I needed to make myself a priority too. Realising time for me in the AM to exercise is better than sleep has really changed my whole attitude to myself. 🙂

  12. This a great post for a Monday. I think the key to all of this is making working out and eating healthy something you want to do. Giving would be a lot easier!

  13. What I DIDN’T give up was my career and my family-
    I started “wishing” for things in high school and had a good friend that was ahead of her time and said “well, just do it then!”
    And Since then I have run over a dozen marathons, which included Pikes Peak, competed in over 100 triathlons (two were Ironman distance), have swum from Alcatraz a half-dozen times and am starting to work on a second Master’s Degree. Have taught in public schools for over 35 years. I am far from “done”.
    Just get up in the a.m. and get out the door (or into your home gym) and sacrifice sleep, TV-but not the important things. Eat to fuel and quit just talking about it. Walk your talk.

  14. Wow…Mel, I thought I was the only one who plays with the same 5-10 pounds in a year…def makes me think…thanks great post

  21. the key word is “willing” In your post. If you’re willing to do something it’s resolve, it’s a first step before the doing but a very necessary one.

  22. Thank you so much for sharing now I have another great inspiring blogger to read. It’s hard to convince people that they need to eat MORE, not less, especially after they’ve seen successful weight loss.

  23. Awesome post.I actually like what you’ve acquired here, really like what you’re stating and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and informative also .This is really a great web site.

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