Found podcast on failure: here's to your success

When I come across something that I learn from and/or find interesting, I want to share that with you.  I recently came across a podcast with the main topic being failure.  Although it is primarily for entrepreneurs, these talks are good for anyone, in any industry.


The podcast can be found at FailOn.com.  I was listening to episode 16 on the subject of Overcoming Fear.  I enjoyed it.  I learned a bit from it this morning.  I then looked at the previous 15 episodes.  I definately will listen and learn.  I always tell my kids that experience is a tough teacher and they can't experience everything.  I continue by telling them to learn from others experiences as well so they don't have to go through the same hard lessons.  By learning from others, you can shorten your learning cycle.


On the subject of fear, one thing that I was reminded of is that everyone doesn't start being good and polished.  The people you see as successful in whatever field your interested in, didn't start there.  They began at the bottom and through trial and error, hard work, perseverience found a way to success. 


My business is exercise and fitness.  I know some people have a fear of going to the gym because they don't want to look like they don't know what they are doing.  Four things about this fear:  1)  Everyone in the gym started not knowing what they were doing.  2)  Most people in the gym will be too busy to notice you don't know.  3)  If you ask for help, most people will be glad to help/teach you on what to do.  4)  You can Google a machine or exercise and learn how to use it properly.


I just wanted to share this with you.  Check out Failon.com and let me know what you think.  To your success.

Weight loss victory is in your grasp

Lately, I have been seeing and hearing a lot of ads for weightloss supplements and programs.  This got me to thinking, "Are these "solutions" sustainable?".  After doing some research, here are six items that I have read about that make sense and are doable. 


1.  Sustainability


This goes back to my initial question, "are these 'solutions' sustainable"?  If you have to buy a product to loose weight, how long will you be able - or willing- to keep buying this product?  Can you see yourself doing this for more than two months?  Do you see yourself doing it in five years?  If the answer is no, it is not sustainable.  If the answer is yes, what will happen after you stop using said product?  Will you be able to keep it off, or will the weight come back?  This is one reason that I have a problem with "Diets" that eliminate certain foods.


2.  Exercise


I know some people that are not into going to the gym and breaking into a sweat lifting weights or using an eliptical trainer.  I don't have any interest in doing yoga.  The key here is to find something that you like and enjoy.  Do you enjoy playing basketball?  How about a hike at a state park?  Do you enjoy roller skating, ice skating, or skate boarding?  If you do what you like, chances are you will do it long term.  This goes back to sustainability.  Just remember to have fun.


3.  Diet


I know some people don't like this word.  I'm not talking about reducing your calories to 450 for the day.  I'm talking about nutrient dense food.  Not sweets.  Not processed foods.  You can exercise for two hours each day, but you will spend the other 22 hours away from the gym (or whatever activity you choose to do).  This is why it is said that "weight loss is 80% diet".  Enjoy all types of foods.  Most foods can be made healthier by cutting the amount of fat or sugar that is added. 


4.  Meal planning



Knowing that a good diet is 80% of the battle in loosing weight, one way to win this battle is to plan your meals ahead of time.  Plan your meals a week in advance and do your grocery shopping with these meals in mind.  You can check the weekly ads to see where you can get the best deals for your groceries.  You can also take one afternoon, say a Saturday or Sunday, and make all your meals for the week.  Put your seperate meals in their own containers in the fridge.  When you're ready, put the containers in the lunch box or carrying case and off you go.  You don't have to wory about making your meals.  You can warm your meals in 5 minutes.  Again, this should be easy and sustainable...otherwise, you're not going to do it for the long term.


5.  Recognize hunger


Know that there is a difference between physical hunger and emotional hunger.  Are you about to eat because your stomach is growling or are you just craving something all of a sudden?  I have learned taht physical hunger is a gradual process.  Emotional hunger is a sudden and sometimes has specific food cravings.  Perhaps they are your comfort foods that relax you when an event has stressed you out.  Are you eating because your body says "feed me" or are you eating because you're bored?


6.  Plan indulgences


I have heard people say cut out sugar, cut out carbs, eliminate sweets.  This goes back to my first item above, sustainability.  Don't feel bad for having a piece of cake at your son's birthday party.  It's your anniversay and you go to your favorite restaurant for dinner and dessert.  Enjoy.  Part of life is the enjoyment of different foods.  To clarify, enjoy a sensable portion size.  Two bites of a piece of a Black Forest Cake is not sensable.  You are going to want more.  We all do.  A quarter piece of that cake is not sensible.  That is way too much.  Indulgences are not just portion sizes.  They also consist of frequency.  If someone at the office brings donuts every Friday, you don't need to eat two donuts every week.  When I was a kid, we called them "treats".  They would be something that you would have occasionally or on special occasions, not daily or weekly.


To conclude, remeber that successful weight loss will have to include lifestyle changes.  Some slight, some drastic...all depending on what your current habits are.  Know this:  It is doable and you are not alone.  Three words for success: Sustainable, Enjoyable, Moderation.