The Daily Weigh-In: Scale Betrayal

This has been a conversation I have had several times this week.

Let’s face it, we can’t help but think about that slimy little number on the scale a little too often.

 For some, it’s a daily ritual. Get up, go to the bathroom, and “weigh-in.” Often times dry and unpainted. You know what I’m talkin’ bout.

And if that number is not to our satisfaction, it bugs us. All day. Through the day. At strange moments the thought creeps in our mind: why on earth was I up half a pound? or I feel huge today.

I noticed the days I “felt huge” were the days I had weighed in and didn’t like what I saw. The days I didn’t weigh in, or the days when I did like what I saw…I never had that feeling.

The truth of the matter is this: we can’t directly control that number.

Oh sure. We can control it indirectly. Meaning, through a process of decisions and hard work we do have some control in the matter.

But can we really, physically, reach into that scale and touch that number? Or do we step on it and wonder with a moment’s uncertainty of how things will pan out for us today? Sometimes it feels like a gamble.

So my challenge to myself, and to others has been this:

Make a goal you can touch. You can pick up, hold it, and know that it’s a real life controllable goal. Examples:

• 3 workouts this week, at least 20 minutes each time
• No sweets at the party this weekend
• 64 ounces of water each day

Some of them feel a little boring, don’t they? It feels much more exciting to say “I’m going to lose 2 pounds every week until Christmas, which will add up to 100 pounds.” Tempting to say those goals, isn’t it? It sounds so much more attractive and, well, awesome.

But as we know, a week goes by and we lose .2 pounds and feel defeated. It’s not a goal you can directly control.

So consider this your challenge. Your time to decide on your touchable goals. As a side note, I like to pick 3 goals…one more difficult and two more “attainable.” Thus my goals are:

• Plan ahead and keep structure at lunch this week (busy schedule- this one is my harder one)
• Drink 64 ounces of water (slightly easier, but super important)
• 4 workouts, 20 minutes each (to reach my big goal of 100 by 2014)

Let’s hear it…what are YOUR “touchable” goals??