Weight loss and perfection don't mix: Stay motivated and on track

December 4, 1:16 PMFitness ExaminerStefan Pinto

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Stefan Pinto weight loss example.

When I first started going to a gym, I hated it. I could not even ride the stationary training bike for five minutes without feeling as though I would suffer a premature stroke. Turns out, I had exercise induced asthma, a condition diagnosed by a certified trainer and common among the sedentary.  Naturally, with such a fine excuse, I inevitably gave up after one month and skipped the gym for the next three.

Thankfully (and luckily), I realized that I DID want to lose the weight. I knew that I would not be able to answer to my older self as to what happened to my body. I made a commitment that I will lose 20 pounds by my 34th birthday (I gave myself one year).Where did the motivation come from to do this? Especially during the dead of winter (then, I lived in New Jersey). Looking back, I have discovered this when it comes to being -- and staying -- motivated:

• It is all about attitude. Those with positive attitudes are more highly motivated than those that aren't. If we see exercise as a “chore,” then it becomes this. If we see it as a “gift” -- an ability to actually change our bodies, then, well, I am sure you understand.?
• Secondly, don't succumb to striving for perfection (which often leads to frustration). This is a definite road to failure. Film maker, Robert Rodriguez wrote, “Perfection is a crapshoot. The more projects you finish, the better your odds.” I believe this whole heartedly. If you join a gym to get six-pack abs in one month then, sadly you are setting yourself up for tremendous disappointment.

Avoid succumbing to the myopic misconception that weight loss and a good diet can be achieved through a “quick fix.” We all know that anything that is worth gaining does not happen quickly and certainly not in two weeks!. Something as presumably simple as growing a plant, one with strong vines and sturdy roots, takes care and patience. And of course, it must be done properly and in the right conditions... that is assuming you want a robust, sturdy end result. Which you do, otherwise you are back to the hackneyed square one.

Yes, it is indeed difficult to stay motivated, especially when it comes to losing weight. Often times, the single most used -- and acceptable -- excuse is simply, “I don’t have the time.” Do you know it only takes 20 minutes to run two miles? 20 minutes. Now, maybe you are saying, “it probably takes *you* 20 minutes,” (it actually takes me twelve), but 20 minutes isn’t running that fast, and if you think about it... if you were to do that every, single day for one month -- in addition to how many calories you will burn-- do you know how much better you will actually *feel*? You should try it. I implore you. Most gyms grant one week passes. If your gym doesn’t, contact me and I will personally send you a week pass for my gym.

In my next post, I will concentrate more on diet, not going on one, but more specifically what we put into our bodies. Most of the time, what we think (or read) is healthy, really isn’t.

Until next time, be well, smile often and drink lots of water.

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About Stefan Pinto: Stefan Pinto is a contributing fitness writer for Examiner.com. He is also a frequent guest Blogger for the fitness division of Pierce Mattie Public Relations, a beauty, fashion, fitness, jewelry and luxury lifestyle PR brand management firm. If you have time, feel free to also read his articles on Technorati.