Guest Post Written By: Donna Yearyean
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You might have heard the funny saying… “My goal was to lose 10 pounds this year. Only 15 to go!” Well, my goal in 2018 was to lose 65 pounds. 70 to go! So, did I fail? Yes. Sort of. No. Not really! Stay with me here…
Shifting goals
The actual goal I put down on paper for 2018 was “continue to work on improving my mental and physical health” because I have come to learn that health encompasses so much more than the number on the scale.
I succeeded in improving my health, through various triumphs and failures this year, even though the number on the scale isn’t what I wanted. I had those numbers in my head all year, though, so, yes, I’m disappointed.
I miss being strong, physically capable, and agile, so that’s why those numbers will remain a part of my health goals.
The shift is the focus and where power is given. The scale and those numbers do not rule over me.
Non-scale victories
I’ve had a lot of “non-scale victories” in my health journey in the last couple of years. A big one is that I’m still alive.
When depression and other mental health struggles make you not want to keep living, that’s worth celebrating. I’m still here, and last year I made a commitment to myself to stay here.
By the way, I did lose a few pounds mid-year when I was doing “keto-ish”/low-carb. However, that way of eating started to have a negative impact on my overall health, and the pounds came back when I stopped. I learned from that experience, and anything that teaches you isn’t a failure. It’s simply learning what doesn’t work for you.
Last year, I did all sorts of wonderful things that are good for my health like hiking, going to the ocean many times, and laughing so hard I cried. I strove to do my best in my various roles and be a positive force in the world. I put myself first… often. That’s quite hard for me, but everyone benefits when I do. Huge victory right there!!
I pushed through physical and mental obstacles and setbacks in order to accomplish everyday stuff and all the extras.
During fall and winter, I set daily and monthly goals for steps and not only hit but also exceeded them. I posted regularly in social media groups all year to support others in their wellness journeys. I did pool workouts regularly in the summer. So many victories all year!
Year in review
Yes, I failed to achieve weight loss last year. I take responsibility for that while also giving myself grace. I’m choosing to celebrate all my big and small victories from 2018. In so many ways, I truly was healthier at the end of 2018 than I was at the beginning. That’s a big victory for me.
I’m carrying this positive energy into 2019 and will continue to work on improving all aspects of my health, including weight loss. I’m a successful failure, and I’m not ashamed about that! I hope you can look back on 2018 with tough love–giving yourself kudos and grace.
Happy 2019 to all my fellow “successful failures”!
