To rest attentively - not to be satisfied with “just getting the gist of it.” - Marcus Aurelius
Today in the Daily Dad by Ryan Holiday, we think about how authors can be wrong, and that books are not a one-way conversation. My thoughts last week turned to how we should aim to be corrigible, or willing to suspend our beliefs and correct ourselves when we’re wrong.
I have been so right and paradoxically so wrong about so many things. I can know exactly what the problem is, define it, and have the solution and yet for one reason or another not be successful in the implementation.
My goal weight is to be under 190 pounds. Race weight is 165 pounds, and honestly I’d be thrilled if I was under 200 pounds. Realistically it’s been a decade since I’ve been under 220 pounds, and I fluctuate regularly between 228 and 238 pounds.
I’ve tried Wegovy (oral compound), and had to quit after the first dose escalation due to side effects, but am going to give it one more chance to see if I can re-establish a lifelong habit of balance. Now that my wife and I are done having kids, and our youngest can now walk and sleeps more regularly, I’m in a great position to work with my partner to establish a habit that we can both work on together.
Here’s what I know from working with bariatric weight loss patients for years… 80% of those who succeed, track everything they do. It doesn’t matter the format, just the behavior. Those that are most successful surround themselves with those who encourage them, they share their goals and partake together. They are realistic with their short and long term goals.
My goal for the next month is to follow the plan, track my food, and finish my Filthy 50 gravel race in October in Lanesborough. I’ve got the best bike for the job, I have all of the tools at my fingertips.
My wife and I planned out the how together: M-F same basic routine, low intensity, but consistent. MWF Legs - 15-30 min Cycling, 10 min yoga, 10 min strength (1 super set of squat and abs), walks (1-2 mi) when the weather cooperates.
Food: Coffee and protein shake in the AM, tuna or chicken salad or pre-made salmon pack for lunch, protein shake and/or protein bar in the afternoon for a snack, family dinner focusing on lean meat, veggies, and a fun carb to keep me sane.
The gist is that I’m back at it, but when I think about using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques to adopt the new habit, I know that if I prep on Sundays, and keep to my nightly routine, that I’m 90% more likely to keep to the schedule during the week. Sunday and Monday are going perfect, but now I’ve got to set a reminder and chat with my wife about our wind-down routine to make sure I can keep it.
I’ll work to write when I can, and keep myself accountable. Let’s go!