Years ago my husband and I watched the farcical movie “What about Bob?” a 1991 film starring Richard Dreyfuss and Bill Murray. In the story line, Richard Dreyfuss plays a psychiatrist “Dr. Leo Marvin” who takes on a new patient “Bob”, played by Bill Murray. Predictably, Bob drives Dr. Marvin “out of his mind” while healing himself. Dr. Marvin had published his book “Baby Steps” which Bob reads and applies to his life. (I won’t spoil the ending for you). Read on to see how baby steps are changing my life (and can change yours as well).
My sister once told me that I throw myself into the fray in a giant leap, whether I am learning to sew or starting a new project at work. She is correct in her observations. Once my initial enthusiasm wears off, I settle to a more consistent pattern of learning and doing. The opposite side of this issue is the tendency to take too long when deciding to make a change or start a new project. For example, I have tried to lose weight through various programs and had even hired a nutritionist at one point. I would lose weight only to gain back more later.
I am sure that many of you know at least one person who has experienced this pattern of losing and gaining. As a consequence, I was reluctant to start yet another diet or exercise program. I just did not want to fail again. I felt almost condemned to obesity for the rest of my life.
And yet…
A still, small voice suggested taking baby steps, changing habits a little at a time instead of everything all at once. For several months now, I have been cutting back refined sugars and carbohydrates in my diet. I also became honest with myself over what type of lifestyle changes I am willing to make. This helped me pick a meal plan that is working for me now.
Change often starts with a simple decision. Then, “I want to lose weight” can become how do I accomplish this? What resources do I have and what do I need to acquire? What support system do I have?
Understand that while it can be simple to decide to change, making a change is more complex and often multilayered.
If you are struggling to make a change, I encourage you to try evaluating your journey and answer the above questions. We often fail to make changes when we do not have a clear picture of our goal or lack a skill set, or a good solid support system. Give yourself grace when you don’t meet a goal. Tomorrow is a new day!
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FYI: I have succeeded in losing 10 pounds in 4 weeks time. For me, this is a huge accomplishment.
Photo by Elsa Lilja on Unsplash
