I believe we all have experienced at some/many times in our lives that we are on the cusp of stopping an activity, mission or project due to the frustration of not being able to complete the aforementioned tasks. The words, often escapes from our mouths “I GIVE UP”. Personally, I am an awful “Mr. Fix It” guy, and when something breaks down in the house, I will initially try to repair this on my own (do I hear a leaky toilet?) and after a painfully frustrating amount of time flailing in my attempts, I then will shout “I GIVE UP” and then place a phone call to the skilled service person that can fix the problem with ease.
The ”I GIVE UP” mentality is very prevalent in the weight control arena. Most people that have experience long-term weight control issues have attempted, at various times, to shed the weight. Usually the affected individuals decide to “go on a diet”, but very often, expectations of weight loss are not met, frustration sets in and the mindset of “I GIVE UP” becomes persuasive. This of course results in the abandoning of the weight loss effort.
The best ways of avoiding the “I GIVE UP” mentality may include the following:
- Do not create unreasonable expectations concerning the pace of weight loss: Set your goals reasonable and obtainable.
- Enhance your chance of seeing early success by obtaining some professional help (i.e. a medical weight loss program can provide a medical “jumpstart” to the process)
- Pair up with other people trying to shed weight. This person/group support will often pick you up when/if that “I GIVE UP” mentality starts setting in.
- Keep on sticky notes in many places (work desk, refrigerator, car, etc) a list of the reasons why shedding weight is so important to you. Keeping these reasons as constant reminders to you may motivate you to never “GIVE UP”
It is difficult to avoid the “I GIVE UP mentality when setbacks occur In any “project” we devote time, energy and resources to. However, it is very important to avoid that mentality because if it sets in, our intended goals will not be reached. In the case of weight control, improved health, happiness, self esteem etc will all occur with successful weight control.
“NEVER GIVE UP, NEVER SURRENDER” was a tag line from the Star Trek parody movie, “Galaxy Quest” starring Tim Allen. And Mr. Allen’s most popular movie? The Santa Clause. Here is a song from the soundtrack, performed by Michael Buble and Bing Crosby.
