I always look forward to getting my letter's from Kathy. I must say that this event will be ending soon, and I am going to miss it, but I am so grateful to learn to LOVE my body, and I know now, I needed to be taught DISCIPLINE "thanks Tim". Kathy Smith has been staying in Park City, Utah to launch her new mission with NextFit: Lets get America Moving! I have had the honor being coached by Kathy Smith, Tim Misewicz, and Dori Madsen, and many more. I want to share with you the letter to me from Kathy Smith. A letter of motivation and the knowledge of one great and incredible woman Kathy Smith...
Julie,
I'd like to thank you for
sharing your hopes, goals, and challenges with me as we approach the
finish line of your 12-week program (which by itself is a wonderful
accomplishment, by the way).
One of the thoughts I've heard
several times is that some people feel that they have made progress,
but may not yet have reached their more aggressive goals for the
12-week program.
Anything worth accomplishing takes time,
patience, and perspective, especially when the goal involves a
lifestyle change. The thought of losing weight or getting into shape,
for example, can be overwhelming.
This is when it is important
to think progress, not perfection. Always remember that all the little
changes you make will add up to large changes overall. This process
does not happen overnight. Your success will be cumulative.
Think inside out.
Don't
forget too that as you make slight shifts in your life, a tremendous
amount of invisible activity goes on inside your body. If you're trying
to lose weight and get into shape, you may not see results as quickly
as you want on the outside of your body, yet you are retraining your
body's metabolic pathways to more efficiently metabolize food and burn
fat.
You are changing your body on both a cellular and
hormonal level. Don't beat yourself up if you can't stay laser-focused
on a busy day when life gets in your way of healthy eating. Just stay
centered on the positive:
You are exercising most days of the
week now and you are eating in a way that is good for your body. One
day (or even a few days) won't set you back in the grand scheme of
things. Remind yourself that you are still moving forward.
Put success on the schedule.
Find
concrete adjustments that you can build into your weekly routine that
will contribute to your success. Call friends to schedule workout
dates, write on your calendar (or in your Success Journal) the days you
are going to use your keychain trainer and mix it up using a new
trainer or style of exercise. Do your grocery shopping on the weekend
to stock your fridge so you're ready for the week. And throughout your
week, whenever possible, get outdoors - for a hike, a walk (with or
without the dog) or a jog around the neighborhood - you'll be surprised
what a little fresh air can do for your sense of well-being, and
anything that increases physical activity on a regular basis is a gift
to yourself.
Think big.
We all get sidetracked once in a
while. That's OK. We become frustrated by the little stuff - like
fitting into a certain dress size or seeing a specific number on the
scale - and forget to consider the larger picture. Stay focused and
remember the vision you have for yourself - to be healthier, more
vibrant, and more energized, in a way that you can sustain for life.
When we move from having a constant microscope on ourselves to
appreciate a broader perspective, we can usher in a passionate attitude
that has the effect of keeping us from fixating on the negative.
This Week's Goal: Write it out!
Think
for a moment about all you've accomplished in over the course of your
program in different terms. Set numbers aside for a moment and think
about how things have changed. How do you feel on days you work out?
How has your relationship to exercise changed?
Take a moment to
jot down one paragraph about what you have already achieved in the last
10 weeks. This will help you shift your focus from what you haven't yet
accomplished to the real, meaningful things you've achieved in this
short time.
I think you'll be surprised when you take stock of
how you feel, your energy level, and your general outlook over the last
10 weeks. This week, pay attention to the progress you've made, and let
these thoughts be carry you through the more difficult moments.
