How to Get Out of A Self Created, Less Than Desirable Reality

Too Heavy or Too Short?

A few years back, I met with a guy who wanted my help to lose some weight; not an altogether uncommon request in my world. Without giving you specific details, it’s fair to say that he was morbidly obese. That is, huge. Somewhere in the vicinity of double his ideal bodyweight.

Or, half his ideal height.

IIn our first meeting, he informed me that he was physically, mentally, emotionally and socially bankrupt and ready to do “whatever it took to change his body and his life”. We got down to the nuts and bolts of the change process and together we created a strategy, an accountability system and a time-line for the intended transformation.

Junk-Food Central

As part of our initial session, I asked him to walk me through a typical day of eating in his world. It was terrifying. I did my best not to show what I was thinking – as I didn’t want to offend him – but the volume of food was hard to believe. His daily lunch was generally three to four thousand calories (no, that’s not a misprint) of high-fat, high-salt, high-calorie junk-food. To put this in context, my typical daily intake (for all my meals combined) ranges from two to three thousand calories, depending on my activity level for that day. And, keep in mind that I’m an active bloke with a reasonable amount of muscle.

By the way, this guy’s problem wasn’t lack of knowledge, education or intelligence; he’s a qualified scientist. Chatting with him, it was clear that his knowledge and understanding of all things health, fitness, nutrition and lifestyle was more than adequate. He knew what to do but he didn’t do what he knows.

So to speak.

Despite his knowledge and despite his apparent desire to change, he had continued to make choices that kept him trapped in a body he hated. He ate bad food. He ate too much food. And he did it all the time. He also moved too little.

One of his regular lunches was four cheeseburgers and a coke.

A Question

Q. So why did the intelligent guy who hated how he looked and felt regularly choose four burgers and coke when he could have chosen a chicken salad and a bottle of water instead?

A. Because the burgers and coke gave him instant pleasure and comfort (two things he loves) while opting for the chicken salad and water wouldn’t have given him instant weight loss. And, at that point in time, he was all about instant gratification.

As are many people.

For a long time, he wanted the results without the effort, the sacrifice, the time investment or the discomfort. He liked the ‘idea’ of a fitter, leaner, lighter body but not the practical commitment (hard work) of doing what was required to create it. And, as we all know, wanting ain’t doing. Knowing ain’t doing. Hoping ain’t doing and intending ain’t doing.

A Realistic Approach

Despite what some people might suggest, lasting transformation typically takes time. Occasionally, lots of time. And effort. The guy who has spent twenty years abusing his body won’t undo that abuse by next Thursday. Physical transformation is not a magic trick; it’s a mental, emotional and physical journey. And it’s not a theory or a philosophical construct; it’s a practical, logical, scientific process. And often, an uncomfortable one.

The years have taught me that some people’s need (desire) to be comfortable simply over-rides their desire to create lasting change. And, some people’s obsession with the quick-fix stops them from addressing their problems in a realistic and intelligent manner. Until that changes, those people will (sadly) continue to inhabit their self-created, less-than-desirable reality.
So, what’s your priority today: comfort or results? A quick-fix or a life-long transformation?

PS: The morbidly obese guy finally got his head in the game and lost the weight over a period of eighteen months. He figured it was easier than doubling his height.