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Don't Just Focus on Results, Learn from the Journey

Written on June 01, 2008

First, let me wish all the Mother's out there a belated Mother's Day! I hope you were all spoiled!

This past week I was in South Carolina lecturing, beautiful area by the way. Anyway, one of the lectures I give discusses a system I developed years ago called, VBR. VBR stands for Value, Benefits and Results.

Over the years you have been "trained" focus on results before anything else. Think about it. When you start a diet, the motivation is the visual you have in your mind of being thinner, stronger and feeling like a new man or woman, right? But the natural course of this kind of focus solely on results is failure. Let me explain.

When you think about exercising or eating right, you do it because you have this picture in your head of what you want to look like. Unfortunately, the visual you have in your head comes from what you've seen on TV or magazines that show those who have lost a bunch of weight and well, it inspires you to want to lose weight, right?

The problem is that the focus is just on the end result so that when you're confronted with the actual "journey" it becomes too overwhelming and just seems like too much work. That thinking comes from the "fast-n-easy" we see in ads and magazines. It looks so easy, right? Well the truth is that being healthy, lean and fit does not happen just by wishing or visualizing, it comes from dedication and determination.

So back to VBR. Value is what you should receive from any fitness center you choose. In other words, you should feel an immediate connection with the facility or fitness professional you choose. There should be value in that facility which makes the time you spend and the dollars you spend all worthwhile. It might be the location, the staff, the "feel" of the place, etc. Whatever it is, there needs to a perceived value which will keep you coming back.

Next, benefits and here's where you need to change your thinking. Instead of focusing on the results (which are often unrealistic) focus on the immediate benefits you'll garner from eating better and exercising more. Benefits are immediate, such as sleeping better, having more energy, being more connected with your body. Unfortunately, we've been programmed to believe that weight loss is the only valuable piece of being active and eating well. The truth is, it is that type of thinking that keeps your efforts short lived, why? Because weight loss (fast and easy) is not necessarily the first benefit that is derived from eating better and exercising. And for many, if weight loss isn't experienced right away, all hope is lost and it's back to inactivity and poor nutrition.

So here's what I'd like you think about this week. If you're only going to exercise and eat well to lose weight, rethink that strategy. Think of 5 benefits (other than weight loss) that you will receive from changing bad nutrition habits and moving your body more. Those benefits are what should be your focus. Those benefits are unique to you and matter to you, it's not the generic "weight loss" reason which is often unsuccessful.

Take time this week to focus on the REAL reasons you want to become healthy. Even if they seem silly or small to you, it doesn't matter, what's matters is that it provides enough incentive and motivation to keep you on the healthy road for the long haul. Remember, weight loss is not a big enough motivator, so think about what comes with weight loss and THOSE are the real reasons you want to make healthy lifestyle choices!

Remember, weight loss is a byproduct of being active and eating well, it's not the other way around. Start today to make small changes and trust me, it will just grow from there. Not a single worthwhile thing in life is achieved simply by wanting it, it's taking the steps necessary to achieve it.

Begin taking steps today toward your healthy living success and please share your success with me, I'd love to hear!