We are aware of the lure of instant gratification. Everywhere you look people are attempting to take shortcuts to the goals they have set themselves. Humans like immediate. It’s easy to understand. Immediate makes sense to us. But how realistic is it?
Last night, what did you eat for dinner? I had an egg white omelette filled with spinach leaves, avocado and vegies - probably my most favourite meal so a little unfair for comparison. It’s not that difficult to make but it is a little time consuming. Separating eggs. Cutting vegies. Cooking. Gosh, all of five minutes. High protein. Healthy. After eating, I didn’t head to a mirror to see if I had lost any weight because I had eaten something healthy. There wouldn’t be an immediate visible result, (darn!) I could have raced through the drive-thru at any fast food outlet and ordered something loaded with fatty and sugary ingredients. It possibly would have been quicker, easier and provided immediate satisfaction. Other than ‘feeling’ bloated and heavy from eating stodgy, sugary food, once again, neither would my weight have immediately ballooned visibly.
Weight gain. Weight LOSS. Work long term. Weight creeps on slowly. Stealthily. Over years. We lose it, the same way. The results that you desire are most effectively created over longer time frames.
We don’t get many immediate dividends for eating healthy each day. Or exercising regularly. Our physique doesn’t change on day one. Physically there is no direct measurable outcome. We have to trust in our methods. Those that are successful with weight loss, just keep moving forward - trusting, and knowing, it’s the right thing to do - the results will follow. Over weeks, months (and for some even years) we start to see the positive transformation physically. Forget about how you look and pay attention to how you feel though. The process doesn’t always make sense at the time. But the long term payoff to your overall health is worth it. Absolutely!
When clients come to me most are after improved fitness of course, but the ultimate goal is usually weight loss. Yet ultimately they end up with bigger rewards than their initial physical focus. They rescue their lives by improving their stamina and strength. Many reduce their pain, eliminate the need for medication, lower stress and, to me, the biggest one - increase their self confidence. The beautiful side effect is then, achieving the wonderfully strong and healthy body they were searching for.
Which reward system brings the greatest kick? Delayed gratification or immediate pleasure? When you have weight or health specific goals, your answer to that question is what you always need to be conscious of every time you go for the quick fix. We can all be sidetracked by the easy. Come up with alternative activities for distraction. Fast food is a ‘now’ reward. We don’t buy pizza or a block of chocolate expecting to experience the enjoyment in a couple of weeks.
Pleasure systems are now or never. Being overweight is the result of short term over long term thinking.
Many think cooking can be tiring and time consuming and see fast food as delicious, simple, fun, cheap and reliable.
Here’s a test. Read any article on obesity and its dire consequences to your health, and life. Then after a long, tiring, stressful day at work drive by a fast food outlet on your way home. Regardless of all you will have just read, it’s tempting isn’t it. If you REALLY want healthy results, that’s where planning is crucial so you don’t give in to the immediate lure but keep your focus on what’s important to you. Develop a new reward system for yourself.
Challenge yourself for the week ahead. Be more conscious of your choices. What decisions are you making each day with eating and exercise? Are you after instant gratification or are you staying focused on your end result? See if being aware, can help you make a difference to your choice. Even if only occasionally. Work, decisively and consistently towards your goals. Stick to your plan. And you WILL be rewarded.
Cheers, to the success you will feel, Ann.
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