Typically, when people get on a weight loss journey, they have expectations.  

They have an idea of how long it should take, and how easy it should be.  

Most people think the process of losing weight is similar to planning a vacation, or buying a dog.  First they expect to do a bit of research;  then they expect to make a couple of adjustments; they expect to make a few purchases; and they know they will probably run into some challenges, but they are confident they'll get through it.  They know when it's going to happen and they are excited.  That's where a lot of people go wrong.

Where People Go Wrong

If you want to compare the weight loss process to something more realistic, think BIG like:

• Pregnancy. 
• Building a house. 
• Going to university to pursue a specific career. 
• Starting a business from scratch.  

Would you go to your doctor and tell them you're disappointed because you've been pregnant for a whole month and you still don't have a baby?  NO! Because you know it will take 9 months. 

Would you tell your contractor you expect your house to be built and ready to move in 2 months from your first meeting?  NO! They would laugh in your face! 

Would you expect to get a job as an engineer after 2 months of university? Of course not! 

Would you give your 2 week notice to your day job at the first thought of an idea to start a business? NO! Because even if it's the best idea in the world, you will need time to put a business plan together, get funding, conceptualize your product, test it, and then do a lot of marketing.  

Why are we talking about babies, houses and diplomas? 

Because that's the magnitude of time and amount of energy you should be comparing your weight loss journey to. 

If you're not willing to go through hell and back for several months (even years for some) don't even think of sustainable weight loss.  

What do all those big challenges have in common?  They are all guaranteed to take a long time, they all require a significant amount of adjustments and effort, and they are all acquired by following a step by step process (you can't jump to the last step).  They will also test your will and make you want to quit, making you wonder why you even thought of trying.  They will also all disappoint you greatly at one point, where you will find yourself slapped in the face with an unexpected twist that makes you worry.  

That is how you should think when you think of a weight loss journey.

I'm not saying this to scare you.  I'm just saying this to prepare you.  That is why it should be tackled one step at a time with a structured plan.  That is why you need guidance.  That is why you should be thinking of a long term approach.  

So where do you start?  

You start with Step 1: Learning about habits!

You need to learn HOW to introduce healthy habits into your life so they can STICK

Learning the science and the strategies behind MAINTAINING healthy habits

This is crucial because otherwise, you just pile on habits Willy Nelly, thinking they will stick but they don’t - because you don't know how to build them.  

It’s like wanting to build a brick wall, but only having bricks.  You can’t just pile a bunch of breaks on top of each other and expect to have a wall that stays up.  Your pile of bricks will topple over as soon as a big gust of wind comes in, or rain, or someone that walks by and bumps into it! 

You need mortar, you need a trowel, you need to know what position and what order to put your bricks in to have a good foundation. Then you can expect that wall to still be there in 6 months - even in 10 years!!

It’s the same thing with habits.  It’s not enough to know what habits to add to your life.  You need to know when, how, where to lay them so they can stick and still be there 6 months from now, 5 years from now!  

Does this make sense?  

If this resonates with you, I'm hosting a FREE online Masterclass to talk about the other 4 steps! 

 Click HERE To Register!

Julie Richard

Certified Health Coach

Master of Occupational Therapy & Founder of ULikeYou Weight Loss