I’ve been struggling with my weight since the birth of my daughter in 2004. If there’s a diet out there, I’ve tried it. From low-carb to keto, intermittent fasting to juice cleanses, you name it, I’ve been on it.
Each time, I would lose some weight, only to gain back double. It felt like one step forward and ten steps back. I was convinced that this was my destiny, my legacy. I’ve held onto clothes from before 2004, hoping to fit into them again someday only to end up feeling frustrated.
Recently, my weight has started to impact my health significantly. Elevated cholesterol, lower back pains, joint pains, and breathlessness when climbing stairs have become my reality. My recent physical and blood work results made it clear: I need to lose weight.
Last week, I was introduced to the concept of becoming 1% better each day. This idea resonated with me deeply, and I decided to give it a try.
At 250 pounds, 1% improvement meant losing 2.5 pounds per week. This morning, I stepped on the scale and saw 247.5 pounds. It’s the first movement in the right direction in a long time. I can be what I will to be!
How did I achieve this? I followed the wisdom of Og Mandino:
“And most of all, I will love myself. For when I do, I will zealously inspect all things which enter my body, my mind, my soul, and my heart. Never will I overindulge the requests of my flesh; rather, I will cherish my body with cleanliness and moderation.”
— Og Mandino, The Greatest Salesman in the World
I can be what I will to be!
I also drew inspiration from Charles Haanel’s The Master Key System, particularly Part 8.24:
“Successful men make it their business to hold ideals of the conditions which they wish to realize. They CONSTANTLY hold in mind THE NEXT STEP necessary to the ideal for which they are striving.”
— Charles Haanel, The Master Key System
And in 8.25:
“If you have been faithful to your ideal, you will hear the call when circumstances are ready to materialize your plans, and results will correspond in the exact ratio of your fidelity to your ideal. The ideal steadily held is what pre-determines and attracts the necessary conditions for its fulfillment.”
— Charles Haanel, The Master Key System
Reflecting on Haanel’s teachings, I realized the power of holding a clear vision of my goals. By constantly keeping in mind the next step towards my ideal weight, I created a mental roadmap that guided my actions.
This approach helped me stay focused and motivated, even when the journey seemed daunting. Haanel’s emphasis on fidelity to one’s ideal reinforced the importance of consistency and perseverance.
It taught me that success is not an overnight phenomenon but a result of steadfast dedication to one’s goals. I can be what I will to be!
Next Sunday, I am looking forward to losing another 1% of 247.5 pounds, which is 2.475 pounds, even after enjoying Thanksgiving with my family and friends. Self-denial is not success! By next week, I aim to be down a total of 4.975 pounds in two weeks!
I am doing it, and it is only costing me eliminating negative thoughts and opinions about myself and substituting them with I can be what I will to be! I can do all things because the Greater One Lives in me! I am feeling great. What a difference 2.5 pounds less is making!
What an awesome article! thanks for sharing your journey with all of us! You can be what you want to be!! Love it!! Cheering you from south Florida!!
Thank you, Beverley for sharing and the changes you made to see things going in the right direction. I can resonate with you. Weight was not a problem when I had 5 young children but now as a grandmother it has become an issue. 1% is a great tool to make small changes that add up. It is encouraging me to make it a priority.
Wow! I can resonate with your blog because I am in a similar process of “gifting” 🙂 my Weight back to the Universe. Loved the 1% concept Applied to your Weight. Gonna follow your example! :). Have a beautiful week 🙂
Keep it up!! And remember inch by inch anything is a cinch!
Thank you! This post resonates with me. I enjoyed all the Haanel statements which made more sense to me. The very best to you on your weight loss journey!
I’m so proud of you! Keep it going!
Love your encouragement to keep the 1% improvement in focus!
Excellent post.
Using a similar idea to what you wrote about from the Master Key Experience, I once used that fake concept but as doing one thing on a major project per day and it would result in 365 parts completed in a year.
1% better is certainly moving forward, and one day it’ll be at your goal! You’ll look back and realize that this time, doing it the way you’re doing is so much simpler than what most others would.
Congratulations on your progress!
Nice work Beverley, you will get there!!
It’s all about taking those small steps. You’ve got this, Beverley!
Goodness, Beverley…look at what you have discovered! Heartfelt cheers to you and cheering you forward! You told this in such a compelling way that I know you will touch MANY others. Yes! “I can be what I will to be.” It really is mind over matter, isn’t it?