Progression

Hey Steemers!

I want to talk about the progress of goal achievin', that high- vibrating state of bein' where our actions create results. It is so satisfying to feel as though your choices are bringing you closer to a desired outcome. I am going to delve into health and fitness, but this discussion applies to anything we are working to accomplish.

The first and most fundamental pillar of this process is consistency. New goals feel shiny. They excite us and motivate short term behavioral change. We feel good about ourselves because of it (and damn well we should). However, results take time and adhering to the process is challenging. The honeymoon period ends. In order to move forward in our relationship with this goal, we have to show up every day. We have to put in the work, and patiently observe what manifests.

To address fitness goals specifically: it takes a long time to make sustainable, healthy changes to one's body. The fitness industry tempts us with the promise of quick results. Crash diets, detox teas, miracle pills- it's all BULLSHIT. These things damage our health, drain our wallets, and promote the "yo- yo" dieting effect. Think about this: the fitness industry would no longer exist if its products made you healthy/lean/fit and KEPT you there. If that was the case, their paying customers would disappear.

I argue for a separation from all of this. First of all, you don't need an industry to define what beauty and health look like on you. Also, it's not what works. What DOES work is consistent adherence, and a large time investment. Whatever your goal, understand that it is a choice. You do yourself a disservice by making contradictory decisions. We have a limited supply of resources- time, energy, ect. Let's invest in the things we want, and show up consistently.

Another critical component of working towards one's goals is objectivity. I define this as the ability to determine the difference between current circumstances and desired outcome. This can be challenging because emotion skews perception. I'll share a few examples from the realm of fitness...

1. Scale weight. Although the number on the scale is seemingly objective, it is important to consider context. Weight fluctuates significantly over the course of the day, and in response to a menagerie of factors. Amount of sleep, sodium/water/fiber intake, recent bowel movements, menstruation cycle... Ect. My advice would be to weight yourself at the same time each day, on the same scale. Do not place too much weight on individual weights (no pun intended), but rather weekly trends and averages. Do not use it to torment yourself, and remember- it measures ONLY your numerical relationship with gravity. Nothing more, nothing less.
2. Progress photos and self- examination. It is damn near impossible to look at our own reflections objectively. Let's be honest, we care about how we look. And that's okay! But I'd like to pass along this message: no one looks at you as critically as you look at yourself. They see your whole being, while you pick at each detail. Follow the plan you have set for yourself, and remember that appearances matter far less than we think they do. Value health, vitality, and the ability to climb tall mountains.
3. Slow progress. Remember that sustainable change is made slowly, and that your body is worth the investment of time. If you are a lady- remember that it will take longer for you to put on muscle than your male counterparts. It's in our physiology; it does not mean you're doing anything wrong. Look back at pictures and health statistics (BMI, resting blood glucose, VO2 max, cholesterol levels) from the beginning of your journey. Acknowledge that change has occurred, and celebrate each moment that you feel it happening.
   
   The third and final pillar of progress is sustainability. It always confuses me when people say "I'll just get my cardiovascular fitness up and then go back to being sedentary"... or "You're skinny, I bet you can eat whatever you want". Both of these statements demonstrate a misunderstanding of how to maintain health. When working towards health- related goals, we should incorporate behavioral change into our lifestyles. Gradually shifting towards healthy habits, rather than adhering to extreme measures for a short period. Some examples...
   ~ drinking more water, and perhaps cutting out drinks with added sugar
   ~ striving for a certain step count each day
   ~ eating veggies at each meal
   ~ trying a new fitness activity (hiking, yoga, dance class, ect)
   ~ looking up the nutritional facts of foods you commonly eat
   Because here's the thing- we want to enjoy life WHILE reaching our goals. There's no sense hating the process, as we spend far more time doing this than actual goal achievement. This may sound nutty, but there is always a way to love being healthy. I truly believe that.

So, in conclusion: pursue your goals with consistency, objectivity, and sustainability. Let the process light your soul on fire.