Patience is a virtue. That's what they say isn't it? But isn't it fascinating how often when we make a decision to do something, it seems that from that moment onwards it takes forever to achieve; we are overcome with frustration if it's not completed right now...RIGHT this minute. Well that's how it is for me anyway. Once I decide I want something, I want it done, complete and finished there and then. No mucking around.
This is a blessing and a curse all at the same time. A blessing in a sense that I become very motivated and committed to whatever project I have decided on; a curse because sometimes other people don't feel the same sense of urgency about the task at hand as I do. Well, why would they after all? It's not as if it's their personal project. So often I'll be in a position where I have to wait for something or someone; and waiting is something I don't do very well.
While we're on the subject of waiting, I can't stand the concept of 'lay-by' either. Ever talk to somebody who wants to buy something and they say 'I've put it on lay-by. I'm paying it off each week. I'll have it in 3 months...' Now that is what I call patience. So now, what on Earth do my ramblings have to do with the subject of weight loss?
Well consider this: what if you're not the patient type and you've decided you to lose weight? Do you give up just because you can't drop the weight by tomorrow? Well, you could....but that wouldn't get you very far. If you are an impatient person, then I have to say that I definitely feel your pain. Impatience is omni-present; it doesn't limit itself to the task of losing weight. For example, ever since I have decided to build a therapy room and work from home, it seems I can't get it done quickly enough. This of course is a real shame because the plasterer we hired has other ideas. He seems to think its okay to just not show up. Time to tear my hair out.
What's that all about?' I'll tell you what it's about. It's about patience and tolerance (or in my case, the lack of both). But it's definitely teaching me something. I believe I go through these little setbacks so I can help my clients. Take 'Lisa' for example. She came to me in a desperate state. She simply 'had' to lose the weight. Not in a few months, but right now. 'You've taken the first step. Congratulations.' I told her. But taking the first step was not enough for her. Lisa had more than a weight problem. She had a major subconscious block to permanent weight loss; a belief that said 'If I can't have it tomorrow, I don't want it at all'.
How can you possibly make a start on something when you know the very next day you're going to give up? Ironically, 'Lisa' took great comfort in my therapy room story. She also agreed with me 100% on the lay-by thing. (Surprise surprise!). But most importantly, what she also did was agree to come back the following week, and the week after that. 'Lisa' made a commitment to herself and to me that she was going to see this though.
If you want to lose weight but you don't think you can be bothered going through the sheer hell of losing only one kilo a week (as opposed to the 5 kilos you could theoretically lose if you went on the lettuce leaf diet or the pineapple diet or the no food at all diet), then think about what this experience is teaching you. You didn't wake up several kilos overweight; this happened over time. Similarly, you're not going to wake up and find yourself several kilos lighter tomorrow. But step by step, you can and you will do it. With a bit of patience.
Just like I will have my therapy room eventually. And then everything will be okay; until the next project....
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Sonia Devine is one of Australia's leading experts in weight loss hypnotherapy. Want to learn more about how to achieve permanent weight loss? Claim your FREE Weight Loss E-book here =>
http://loveyourselfslim.com.au/free_stuff
