Whenever I went on diets in the past, I usually started out like gangbusters. I could go for days, weeks, and sometimes, months with great results. Then one day something would happen and, as if someone had turned the ignition switch in me from on to off, my motivation would evaporate and I’d begin to struggle. Once the struggle started, it would steadily worsen and I just couldn’t get back on track.
This pattern always puzzled me. You’d think that each successful day would serve as a building block for the next which would lead to a solid foundation on which I could continue to build. Unfortunately, I acted more like a car starting out a journey with a full tank, but eventually the fuel for my effort ran out and left me stuck on the side of the road.
I need to keep the switch turned on now. This is not a trip with a beginning and an end. I need the motivation tank to have enough fuel to motor me through each day. To borrow from Frost, I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep.
Look at the Olympic athletes. How many lengths of the pool do you think Michael Phelps or Missy Franklin swim every day to keep in top form as they swim toward their goals, and their gold? Maybe they wake up every morning and can’t wait to jump into the water and work. Maybe, however, there are days when they wake up and think, “Oh God, just let me have one day when I don’t wear a bathing suit and immerse myself in chlorinated water. ” I’m sure there are, but on those days I bet they get out of bed and go to the pool anyway.
Honestly, the solutions to a lot of the problems or previous behavior are relatively simple. It doesn’t matter whether I want to stay on my food plan or if I feel like following it on any given day. It only matters what I do and how I act. After all, it isn’t possible for anyone else to flick my switch and kill my motivation. I’m the one responsible for my behavior.
So, the takeaway message for me tonight is that even if I don’t want to stick to my plan, I’ll do it anyway.
Weighty Matters 
I know that to accomplish anything I’ve got to do it even if I don’t feel like it. But over the years I’ve gotten into such a habit of allowing myself not to do things if I don’t feel good or if I just don’t feel like doing a particular thing that I’m the worst sort of indulged childlike person. Although I don’t throw tantrums.
Do it anyway is a wonderful message and a wonderful attitude. I can see you completely managing it. I am going to put effort into it so I can be someone who always “does it anyway.” How else will I achieve my goals?
You are going to make it. You have the attitude and the drive and the self-awareness. You are amazing.