Milestone: “an action or event marking a significant change or stage in development.”
Milestones can be viewed in many different ways and hold different meanings for people. As an example, a 50th wedding anniversary will be seen as a much more significant milestone than a 12 year anniversary. Working at the same company for 30 years is a much more significant milestone that celebrating 6 years working at a company. Passing a milestone of 20 years of sobriety will be viewed as a higher achieving milestone that getting a 1 year badge.
Turning to the weight control arena: I strongly encourage people to create milestones that do not take too long to achieve. Perhaps losing 10 pounds is a great milestone and there is no need to wait for 30 pounds of loss to feel that a milestone is reached. Changing one size of clothes is a milestone to feel great about…not having to wait to drop 4 sizes. Being able to walk briskly for 30 minutes is a good milestone to reach and not feeling that running a 5K is an exercise milestone you need to wait for.
During a long-term weight control journey, be liberal in patting yourself on the back for being able to achieve “milestone moments”. Make these milestones frequent, readily achievable and be proud of them during your quest to live a healthier and happier life.
On a personal note, I am writing this entry on December 5th and this represents a milestone of sorts for me. This is the 32nd anniversary of the opening of my medical practice. Fresh out of the U.S. Navy, 32 years old, very small children, and pretty much zero patients. But, lots of energy, big time dreams and great confidence that I would be able to hang a shingle out on Old Keene Mill Road and make a go of it.
Every year we have a Patient Appreciation Day in and around our practice anniversary to recognize our patients for being the reason why we have been able to stay open and not sell out to a large hospital system or fold up shop. The pandemic has changed so much in 2020, including our ability to invite you to a gathering on our anniversary.
I would like to thank YOU and my current and former patients for allowing me to have an incredible run as an independent primary care doctor. YOU have stayed with me when I opted to not allow insurance companies to dictate how I practice medicine. YOU continued to come to my practice when you had so many other choices of doctors/weight clinics in this area. YOU are the reason my cell phone stays on 24/7 to be available in the event you have a medical issue and need to speak with me. I never forget that YOU have allowed me an amazing 32 years in practice and YOU provide me with the inspiration and energy to want to continue for many more years. Thank YOU very much!!!
