MYST 193 Sharp Spikes

Winning a race and setting a record does not happen by accident. Without the proper preparation, planning and the ability to choose the environment–and reject unhealthy environments–success will not happen. And even then, usually success only occurs after at least one failure.

Roger Bannister set a new record in the one-mile race on May 6, 1954, but only because he failed two years earlier and then he used what he learned to get better.

Racing spike photo via Wikimedia. This file is made available under the Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication.

Woman stretching is via Pixabay by Skeeze.

My food log from September 30, 2018

All images from LoseIt are mine, and cannot be used without permission.

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Music composed and performed by Jason Shaw, courtesy of Audionautix.com

Voiceover courtesy of Matt Young. Matt is a professional voiceover artist. If you have any need of voice-over work, for your podcast, radio spot, or whatever, you can reach Matt by a variety of methods. He is on LinkedIn. On Twitter. And Google+. Follow his Facebook page to learn how to better use social media. Matt was also my guest on MYST 54. Give his story a listen.

MYST 191 Preplan

We plan our work days and work weeks months in advance. We keep our calendars with us at all times. In the “old days” we used paper day planners (remember the big “Franklin planners”?) Now all of our calendars are on every digital device we have.

Why?

It’s because we are busy! We have so many demands on our time that trying to remember everything is a guaranteed way to forget something–and it probably won’t be a minor “to do” list item. Our time is precious and limited. Our time budget is not infinite and once a minute is gone, it is gone for good Most of us know how we are going to spend almost every waking minute.

So why are we so flippant about our calorie budget? We log our food. (Sometimes.) We measure our food. (Sometimes.) We weigh ourselves and take action based on the scale. (Sometimes.)

I think it is because weight loss is something that can be started over. And over. (How many times have you started over?)

So start making decisions earlier! Preplan your meals, just as you preplan your work week. And have a decision on how you will handle the unexpected situation, such as the totally-expected “Hey, it’s my birthday so have some donuts!”

And at home, take pre-emptive strikes. Purge all tempting food and then don’t bring it back in. If it isn’t in the house, it’s harder to “accidentally” eat it.

Photo via Pixabay by rawpixel

All images and videos on Pixabay are released under the Creative Commons CC0. Thus, they may be used freely for almost any purpose – even commercially and in printed format. Attribution is appreciated, but not required.

Transparency. This is what I ate.

All images from LoseIt are mine, and cannot be used without permission.

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Music composed and performed by Jason Shaw, courtesy of Audionautix.com

Voiceover courtesy of Matt Young. Matt is a professional voiceover artist. If you have any need of voice-over work, for your podcast, radio spot, or whatever, you can reach Matt by a variety of methods. He is on LinkedIn. On Twitter. And Google+. Follow his Facebook page to learn how to better use social media. Matt was also my guest on MYST 54. Give his story a listen.

MYST 176: What’s Your DISC?

Which leadership and communication style is your strength? Are you a D? Or are you an S? Why does it matter in weight loss?

D= Director (dominating, opinionated, decision-maker, sometimes acts quickly without having all the data)

I = Influencer (cheerleader, social, is a great team-builder)

S = Steadfast (steady, prefers to have no changes, follows detailed directions)

C = Calculator (critical, precise, likes graphs, charts, and specific rules, tends to plan extensively)

Which if these skills are one of your strengths?

You can take a free DISC Test here.

Most people think “I know who I am, and how I communicate” but it’s also common that we don’t realize how other people see and hear us. Personally, I communicate directly, clearly and I don’t sugar-coat anything. I think that’s simple, plain and easy to understand.

But depending on who I’m dealing with, it can seem arrogant, bossy, and demanding.

The same message can have more than one feeling.

So, how does that affect weight loss? Depending on your style, you may or may not have more success with different diet plans.

D people (like me) and C people are able to self-power through weight loss. “C” people find graphs, charts and very detailed and specific diet plans to work best. “D” people set personal goals and use inner-focus to drive forward, but may frequently change plans if success is not found. D and C people are focused on the task of weight loss.

I and C people are social people. “I” people are the cheerleaders of weight loss and find the best success when helping others find success. “S” people work best in group settings, and find comfort in following established guidelines, especially if the guidelines (rules) do not change often. I and S people focus on the society of weight loss. 

I hope you take that exam I included in the link above. When you know your style, maybe it will influence your choice of weight loss methods. For example:

D: Be your own leader. Set goals and then focus completely on those goals. Become a coach to someone else, but not the cheerleader. This is best in a 1 on 1 setting. Hold your student accountable, but give him/her suggestions for improvement. (When D’s do this, they tend to follow their own advice.)

I: Lead a group, such as Weight Watchers or TOPS so that you can encourage and inspire a group, and use the group’s energy to motivate yourself. Or post inspirational messages on an online group.

S: Join that Weight Watcher or TOPS group. Or get active in an online group so that you can work with others who share your challenges. Find a method of weight loss that has concrete and objective rules, such as WW, Nutrisystem or any “named” diet.

C:  Set your goals, but in a series of intermediate goals. Create a graph or spreadsheet tracking your progress. Find a strict and clearly defined weight loss plan (Keto, Paleo, or Intermittent Fasting) so that you know exactly what to do each meal.

There is no one “right” type. We all have a dominant style with other styles also present, but to a lesser degree. Maybe you are a D/C or a C/S. (The only combos that do not happen are D/S and C/I). And we all are able to use D, I, S, or C when needed. It’s just that we all have communication types that are easiest.

When we know ourselves–and how other people see us–we can sometimes use our strengths to help ourselves and others.

Picture via Pixabay, by Geralt

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Music composed and performed by Jason Shaw, courtesy of Audionautix.com

Voiceover courtesy of Matt Young. Matt is a professional voiceover artist. If you have any need of voice-over work, for your podcast, radio spot, or whatever, you can reach Matt by a variety of methods. He is on LinkedIn. On Twitter. And Google+. Follow his Facebook page to learn how to better use social media. Matt was also my guest on MYST 54. Give his story a listen!

All images are Creative Common Zero.

MYST 162: Portion Control Made Easy

Ready to eat meals.

This is an easy way to stay on budget because the calories are known and predictable. There are many options from which to choose. From meals that are shipped ready-to-cook, to Jenny Craig, to frozen dinners, to fast food restaurants.

Even President Trump eats at fast food places because he prefers to eat what he loves, and he wants his food to be predictable and reliable.

                          

A Meal Ready to Cook                                                 The Finished Meal

        

Icelandic Hot Dog                                    The Best Hot Dog Stand in Reykjavik

Photos are from Trevor LaRene

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Music composed and performed by Jason Shaw, courtesy of Audionautix.com

Voiceover courtesy of Matt Young. Matt is a professional voiceover artist. If you have any need of voice-over work, for your podcast, radio spot, or whatever, you can reach Matt by a variety of methods. He is on LinkedIn. On Twitter. And Google+. Follow his Facebook page to learn how to better use social media. Matt was also my guest on MYST 54. Give his story a listen!

 

MYST 128: The Big Picture

My weight loss goal is to lose 1 pound per week. That means that my daily calorie budget from LoseIt has a built-in deficit of 500 calories. On Thanksgiving, I ate more than 1300 calories OVER that budget, and yet 3 days later, my scale shows that I’ve lose 0.6 pounds in the past 7 days.

I ate like a king and am still making progress toward my goal. How is that possible? It’s because I look at the big picture. Do you?

Are you looking at the Big Picture?
Are you looking at the Big Picture?

Photos via StockSnap.io by Asaf R.

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Music composed and performed by Jason Shaw, courtesy of Audionautix.com

Voiceover courtesy of Matt Young. Matt is a professional voiceover artist. If you have any need of voice-over work, for your podcast, radio spot, or whatever, you can reach Matt by a variety of methods. He is on LinkedIn. On Twitter. And Google+. And you can read his really nice, contemplative blog. Matt was also my guest on MYST 54. Give his story a listen!

All images are Creative Commons Zero.

MYST 124 Books for Success

All of my ideas and suggestions are from a variety of books. Here are my most important books for success in all areas of my life.

My favorite books for success
My favorite books for success (Photo is by Trevor LaRene, 2016)

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Music composed and performed by Jason Shaw, courtesy of Audionautix.com

Voiceover courtesy of Matt Young. Matt is a professional voiceover artist. If you have any need of voice-over work, for your podcast, radio spot, or whatever, you can reach Matt by a variety of methods. He is on LinkedIn. On Twitter. And Google+. And you can read his really nice, contemplative blog. Matt was also my guest on MYST 54. Give his story a listen.

MYST 121: Shopping for Success

Listen to learn four simple tricks to help you find more success while shopping for healthy food!

Why is this section so important for success?
Why is this section so important for success?
How can this help you lose weight? You'd be surprised!
How can this help you lose weight? You’d be surprised!

Photos via Pixabay.com by ElasticComputeFarm (Grocery store) and DevilsApricot (Shopping cart)

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Music composed and performed by Jason Shaw, courtesy of Audionautix.com

Voiceover courtesy of Matt Young. Matt is a professional voiceover artist. If you have any need of voice-over work, for your podcast, radio spot, or whatever, you can reach Matt by a variety of methods. He is on LinkedIn. On Twitter. And Google+. And you can read his really nice, contemplative blog. Matt was also my guest on MYST 54. Give his story a listen.

MYST 115: Holiday Tips

It’s almost the holiday season here in the United States of America and that means food! Lots of food! And most will be decadently rich and calorie-laden. It is very common to add a few pounds during the holidays. However, that can be avoided. This episode will give a few simple tips to keep you focused and successful, and still allow you to enjoy yourself!

Delicious Pistachio Dessert
Delicious Pistachio Dessert

Photos via Pixabay.com by xBertrand1.

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Music composed and performed by Jason Shaw, courtesy of Audionautix.com

Voiceover courtesy of Matt Young. Matt is a professional voiceover artist. If you have any need of voice-over work, for your podcast, radio spot, or whatever, you can reach Matt by a variety of methods. He is on LinkedIn. On Twitter. And Google+. And you can read his really nice, contemplative blog. Matt was also my guest on MYST 54. Give his story a listen!

MYST 99: CHAF

You’ve probably heard the phrase “to separate the wheat from the chaff”. That means to remove the bad part of something, leaving the desirable part readily available.

That’s not what CHAF is. It is another acronym that I made up (it goes along with GOYLA.)

I reference a junk food diet that can lead to weight loss. Here is the article: “Twinkie Diet”

Quality food, in the right quantities, is one key to weight loss success.
Quality food, in the right quantities, is one key to weight loss success.

Photo via PickUpImage.com, by DiningTable.

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Music composed and performed by Jason Shaw, courtesy of Audionautix.com

Voiceover courtesy of Matt Young. Matt is a professional voiceover artist. If you have any need of voice-over work, for your podcast, radio spot, or whatever, you can reach Matt by a variety of methods. He is on LinkedIn. On Twitter. And Google+. And you can read his really nice, contemplative blog. Matt was also my guest on MYST 54. Give his story a listen!

All photos published on PickUpImage.com are licensed under Creative Commons Zero

MYST 97: Wrong Tools, Wrong Results

If you need to hang a picture on a wall, you need to first place a nail in the wall. You can use a frying pan (I know that it has been done) but a hammer will give you better results. Likewise, if you need to tighten a screw, you can use a butter knife or a screwdriver. Both will turn the screw, but one will be more efficient.

There are many ways to accomplish most goals. Not every method will be as effective as others. And sometimes you choose a tool–or method–that should work, but when you use it, you do not achieve the success you expect.

The failure might not be yours. It may be that the tool you chose was the wrong tool.

The Right Tool for the Right Result
The Right Tool for the Right Result

Photo via Unsplash.com, by Gregory Bourolias.

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Music composed and performed by Jason Shaw, courtesy of Audionautix.com

Voiceover courtesy of Matt Young. Matt is a professional voiceover artist. If you have any need of voice-over work, for your podcast, radio spot, or whatever, you can reach Matt by a variety of methods. He is on LinkedIn. On Twitter. And Google+. And you can read his really nice, contemplative blog. Matt was also my guest on MYST 54. Give his story a listen!

All photos published on Unsplash.com are licensed under Creative Commons Zero