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We have all been in the position of seeing a fit Instagram model wearing a stylish outfit, trying on jeans that are too tight, and feeling as if the entire wardrobe doesn’t fit. Overtime, these troublesome instances can really stack up and lead to sudden bursts of I MUST “hit the gym” and “go on a diet.” Although we may think we want these surface-level outcomes to the point where waking up at 6 am to go for runs and eating salad every day seem like fair trades, it never lasts long. This is because the goal of merely looking good, while prominent at times, is an on-and-off desire.
An instant fix to get the body you crave so badly doesn’t exist. Losing weight and staying in shape takes time and the uphill trek can fluctuate and stall. When your main goal is a surface stimulant such as looking hot in a particular outfit or being able to wear a bikini for an upcoming summer, you are more likely to throw in the towel when results don’t start quickly appearing. It feels awful when sweating puddles and skipping out on sugary sweets doesn’t make a dent.
Now, none of this is to say you shouldn’t try fitting exercise and healthier eating habits into your schedule, but in order to ensure these changes stay permanent your mindset has to change as well. The main goal should be to feel confident, or in other words, more energized, motivated, focused, and happy in your day-to-day life. Self-confidence is not something that happens immediately rather, it molds itself out of self-respect and taking on responsibility for oneself and actions.
For some, self-respect and responsibility may be exercising daily and watching what they eat. It could also be performing exceptionally well at work and school, finding enjoyment in studies and laying out the foundations for a long-lasting career. Self-respect is taking the time to pay attention and nurture life’s moments by doing activities that fill the soul with passion and inspire others. It’s spending time with warm-hearted friends and being kind to strangers you pass along the way.
Losing weight and looking good all the time is not what this existence is all about, nor is it what anyone truly is after all the time. For me personally, I am not at my ideal body weight yet, but I don’t plan on giving up anytime soon because I am content on the path I am following. There is a balance that can be found between maintaining healthy habits, feeling good on the inside, and living every day to the fullest. The idea to always keep in mind is that making healthy-minded decisions is just another responsibility that must be practiced alongside other ones. If one responsibility becomes all-consuming, whether it’s losing weight, a relationship, or work, people tire and eventually move on.
That all being said, it’s no secret staying in shape is not an easy feat. Since there is no one size fits all for workout routines, diets, and lifestyle choices, I can’t tell you the specific steps you ought to take to get where you need to be. What I can tell you, though, is that comparing yourself to superficial standards and focusing on temporary goals won’t move you forward.
Respect yourself, accept responsibility, and at the end of a long and winding road, your goals will be reached.
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