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In my keep on track last week I shared that I was turning 45 years old on Wednesday. What came of that revelation was a number of pleasant birthday wishes and also some interesting comments from clients of all ages. What has always struck me as a phenomena is how some people in their 40’s look, feel, talk, think and act like they are getting old while others, well into their 70’s and beyond look, feel, talk, think and act young.
If you didn’t know your age, how old would you be?
Suppose you developed a very rare form of amnesia that wiped out just the memory of your own age. Naturally, being very concerned about not knowing your age, you seek out a doctor who specializes in this rare condition. He asks some questions and runs some tests and then comes back to you and, based on his expert analysis, tells you your age. What do you think he would say?
I can’t count the number of weight loss “before” and “after” photos I’ve seen over the past five years of coaching optimal health. I’ve seen a lot. But it probably won’t surprise you when I say in every single “after” photo the person looks much younger. And for those who I have known personally along the way, and including my own story, not only do they look younger but also talk, think, act and feel younger. Which begs the question, do we have the power to choose our age? If the answer is yes, which I believe it is, it’s got to start with getting to your ideal weight.
Think and Grow Thin
The message of Take Shape For Life is that anyone can create optimal health in their life. In the creation process, you are not trying to get away from something (like being overweight, on medications, etc.) but moving toward a vision of health that you have created in your own mind. And by moving toward your vision, something that did not exist previously comes into existence. Just this morning I heard this quote. It’s by Lao Tzu, author of the Tao Te Ching. He said:
“When you correct your mind, everything will fall into place”
I like this quote because it makes clear the secret to getting what you really want. It’s in the way you think. I’ll play devil’s advocate to make the point as it pertains to losing weight. Let’s say I offered you $10,000 per month to strictly follow the plan until you hit your goal weight (a BMI of 25). How do you think your body would react? There’s no doubt you’d lose weight quickly and feel really good. You would get healthy and look and feel younger too. But so often people get pitted against themselves because their internal dialogue says otherwise; the mind is not correct in thinking you can’t; in thinking there is something preventing you from having what you really want.
Making 2010 YOUR Year
This is it! This is your “second chance”; this is your hope for authentic change. Losing weight is the easy part. I believe that. By following the plan specifically, you’ll lose quickly and safely with low-to-no hunger and good energy levels.