It’s all about what you measure

I have been working out with my trainer for seven weeks now. About three months before I decided to hire someone to support me in my goals, I was cycling on my own. As much as I’d love to tell you I started losing weight, I can’t.

Your girl lacked a few key things.

My diet was trash, my workout schedule was inconsistent and I only focused on the scale.

I made it a point to get on the bike and ride as much as possible. The week before I started with my coach, I was up to 10 miles in 30 minutes, three nights a week. That is good for someone who jumped off the couch and onto the bike. Can I just say…those bike cushions are not made “one size fits all”.

The frustrating increase

Around week four or five, I wanted to quit. The scale was going up. I mean up to numbers I had never seen before. I was so confused. I did everything! I drank water, cut certain foods and habits, lifted weights, cycled, and was sweating! The scale made me think, I was doing something wrong. I talked with my coach who said this was normal and wanted me to focus on my eating. With a few tips and serious focus, I began to see the scale come down again, and quickly. I purchased a new scale that gave me more biometrics. I now track my body fat, water, protein, and bone mass percentages on a weekly basis. 

Measure differently

Every “weigh in” isn’t pretty, but last week there was an moment I didn’t expect. I purchased a pair of pants in my regular size, and when they arrived, I put them on. To my surprise they looked like I ordered them for someone else. I needed a belt! The waist of the pants wasn’t the only difference! There was extra material in the legs as well. These really did look like pants for someone else! The scale says one thing, but the way I feel, how my clothes fit and even how hard I breathe when I walk a distance has changed.

Your progress will always be determined by what you measure. As I am learning with weight loss and muscle building, you are going to go up before you can come down.

Coach Naomi P Washington

We often measure the good things in our lives by how we feel or felt the last time. I challenge you to consider where you came from in those difficult moments. One day with no frustration is better than a week with it. I enjoy a moment of quiet sometimes because I know there are days when everything will be pulling at my attention. I am also beginning to understand minimalism as well. It appears the less going on, the more freedom and peace I feel.

• Are you losing yourself trying to force a relationship?
• Are you staying engaged and active on social media but forgetting to be present in the moment?
• Are you increasing your work hours for more money and adding to your frustration and fatigue at the same time?

Maybe you won’t see the benefit of the work you put in until you actually slow down, take a step back and measure differently. Those forced relationships seem to bring you more peace when you are not over-thinking the connection. Connections you try to stay involved with online don’t matter as much when you pick up the phone for real conversations. Then there is the joy and refreshed perspective you get when you have a day or two off to rest and recover from working that money can’t seem to buy.

The challenge is to look at what has increased in your life, adding to your overwhelm, frustration, fatigue, and maybe even mental exhaustion. When you begin to see the increase you don’t want in your life, take a moment to plan for decrease and then focus on enjoying the ride!

I’m always rooting for you!

If you are like me, finding the time to read this entire blog is amazing! That is why in appreciation of your time and deep consideration for your journey, my goal is to engage with my authentic voice. This blog post was not written or generated by artificial intelligence (AI). It’s all my pure genius!