Shake It Off ~ Shake It Off!

“A River cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence.”
~ Jim Watkins

What is persistence? Persistence means to never ever give up. Persistence is one of the most important factors to success. It’s relatively easy to persist when things are going well and we see progress. Highly persistent people have found ways to keep going despite major setbacks. They keep going even when there's lack of evidence they're moving closer to their goals. Persistence can be a challenge in our weight loss journey because we have good days and bad days. The scale is not always our friend. This is why we need persistence to get there. Often the major difference between succeeding, or quitting, is simply the ability to just keep going.

This week I studied the topic of persistence. I discovered several characteristics that persistent people have in common. These are the things that will keep you going long after most other people give up. I realized that all of the times I previously gave up on my weight loss quest, I was lacking in several of these characteristics.   

Vision – Persistent people have a goal that motivates them. They think about it first thing in the morning and it’s a driving force in their life. When you have a vision that is strong enough and powerful enough, nothing can stand in your way.

Desire - Persistent people want something so badly that they never look for an excuse or a way out. They maintain the inner energy and intensity to keep motivated through repeated failures, dead ends, and lack of progress. They persist until they have a break through.

Confidence – Persistent people know what they want. Others may say they, “march to the beat of their own drummer.” Their inner confidence may get shaken, but it’s their source of courage and determination.

Habits – Jim Rohn said, “Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.” Persistent people know it’s difficult to always be motivated, especially during difficult times. They rely on self-discipline and their habits to produce results.

Adapt – Persistent people can adjust and adapt their action plan. If their plan isn’t working, they are not afraid to make adjustments and find better ways. Persistent people move forward in faith and are willing to admit when something isn’t working.

Learning – Persistent people know that lifelong learning is a way to reach their goals more quickly and view self-improvement as a way of life. John Dewey said, “Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.”

The Persistent Parable

“One day a farmer’s donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn’t worth it to retrieve the donkey.

He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone’s amazement, he quieted down. A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well, and was astonished at what he saw.

With every shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up. As the farmer’s neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and trotted off!”   

~ Author unknown

There will be days you feel like quitting. There will be times you want to throw in the towel. Some days are really hard. Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is persistence. Don’t let the dirt bury you. Shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a stepping stone. We can get out of the deepest wells with persistence. Persistence is not stopping and not giving up. Quitting cannot be an option. Douglas MacArther said, “Age wrinkles the body. Quitting wrinkles the soul.” The Bible tells us in Galatians 6:9 says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” James 1:12 says, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” Shake it off and take a step up! Queue the Taylor Swift music – “Shake if off! Shake it off!” 

Results for the week:  +1.6 lbs lost; Total Lost: 42.0

D.O.W. = 413

(Days on the Wagon = Days of food sobriety - no sugar pig-outs!)

Starting weight:  182.0; Current weight: 141.6