Losing It

Change is hard.

Obviously.

I just spent the last 43 minutes watching Jillian Michael's new reality show Losing It. I have, in the past, avoided her shows like the plague. I just don't like the screaming and drama -- argh! Today, however, it struck me that she probably is doing something right since people seem to love her despite (or maybe because of) her screaming at them. Oh...and did I mention that her show is On Demand right now -- so I didn't have to plan my day around her or anything.

So... 43 minutes of her working with a family in their home and in their gym. The thing that suprised me the most (since, again, I am not a Biggest Loser fan) was that she didn't spend that much of the show with them in the gym. She spent the biggest part of the show talking to the family members, finding out what was going on in their heads. Because, and this shouldn't be a news flash to most of us, food isn't the problem -- lack of exercise isn't the problem -- it is almost always your head that causes the body to go down the path of weight gain.

My biggest connection to the show came when Jillian was talking to the daughter of the family (who had undergone bariatic surgery already, btw) and Jillian asked her:

"Why would you choose to fail when success is an option?"

Why would anybody? Why not success? You have to go one way or the other, right?

The best I can come up with is that change is hard. Sometimes, it is only a little hard/scary/nerve wracking. And sometimes it is hugely distruptive, smack you in the face, think your gonna die painful. And that is what life is about. Pain and triumph. Learning, changing and growing. If it is isn't at least a little uncomfortable, you aren't pushing yourself.

The discomfort of a change is why most people give up an exercise goal. Don't let anyone kid you -- it doesn't feel comfortable to train hard. People who are physically fit and active have come to some kind of understanding that the discomfort is okay, tolerable, and actually a positive thing -- it signals they are working hard enough to stress their body into change.

The discomfort of eating less is why most people give up on a weight loss goal. Again, it isn't comfortable to eat less than you are used to. Not only do you have to think about it and make a conscious choice about smaller portions, you have to actually start appreciating the benefits of not feeling so full or you will be back to your larger portions in no time.

But it is possible for you to be ultimately successful. And because of that, I'll ask you Jillian's question:

"Why would you choose to fail when success is an option?"