The evidence that many, many of us struggle with our weight control and managing our personal finances is so clear we don’t need to make the case. The subjects are given much space in the press and media. Fad diets and quick money solutions are offered everywhere we look. So, why are we so fat and debt laden as a people? What really works?
The two issues share the same basic architecture. Both are the product of simple income versus outgo. Spend the money you make or more, you have troubles. Eat more calories than you use up or pass on, you gain weight. Got it? This is on the test, so be sure. What test, you say? The main one; whether you live well or poorly. This is the test on which you most want an A+.
If you are persistently overweight and/or plagued with continuing money struggles it does not take long for you to dislike yourself. That self image issue becomes predictive as it dominates and controls your “self talk”. As this condition advances you become hopeless, helpless and hapless, so it seems. The more you try fad diets and quick, easy fixes that fail, the worse you feel.
Step back. You can do this. No one else can. Income and outgo. When it comes to money, income is the slow side of the scale to effect. You have to do the right things persistently for a long time to gain increased income, BUT you can adjust your spending right now, today, this minute. Conversely on weight control, outgo is very slow and time consuming to affect. It takes a very long time on the treadmill to burn off a piece of chocolate cake and twice that if it was a’ la mode (my personal favorite). But you can decide to NOT eat the cake and ice cream right now, today, this minute.
Let’s summarize. To get your money problems under control focus right away on outgo and reduce it. To get your weight under control, focus right away on intake. Now that is not hard to understand, but is very hard to do for so many of us.
Want a tip? Here it is and it is powerful. ROLL THE VIDEO. Humans have the unique ability to envision the future. Maturity can be defined as seeing short term and immediate choices within the context of longer-term effect. Eat the cake and ice cream and enjoy it for the next 15 minutes, then feel bad about that choice and your weight for the next several days. So, instead of focusing on the joy of the next 15 minutes, ROLL THE VIDEO in your mind of your life for the next several days if you drop a few pounds. How will that feel every time you notice it, which is, of course, several times per hour. Envision that positive joy and improved self-image. OR instead of buying that new sweater, go to your closet and straighten it out so you can fully enjoy the wonderful wardrobe choices you already own but have overlooked. Focus on the bigger, longer term issue. Reject the short term “pop” of the impulse for it comes at great cost.
This video and movie has a very happy ending. You are the writer, producer, and cast. It is your benefit to claim and here is the good news. You can do it.
