Success

My oldest son is starting high school in a few weeks. We made an appointment to see his new guidance counselor to ensure that he starts off the school year on the right foot. As I am sure you are aware, this year counts!! The guidance counselor was really lovely. She told my son that every student starts out with a 100 average and a clean slate. How inspiring! How scary! In high school she assured us, my son would most definitely succeed. Really? Based on what evidence? Of course I want my son to succeed. But he is the one who has to own it. It is up to him to put in the hard work. If we can get him to experience some success, the theory is that more success will follow.

The meeting with the guidance counselor very much reminded me of an initial weight loss consultation. My job is too get a new client excited and motivated. To get them to believe down to their core that they can succeed, even as all the evidence points to the contrary. Why should this time be different with so many failed weight loss attempts behind them? Unlike a new high school student, they are not starting out with a clean slate. There is no illusion of a perfect average. Life is not like that!! Life tends to be messy. People sometimes eat cake.

It is the all or nothing mentality that keep most people from reaching their goal. I often hear, I was doing so great until I blew it and then the flood gates opened. Here's a news flash: Eventually you are going to blow it!! I guarantee it. But if you already have success behind you, you will know that this is a temporary setback. That you can put down the cake fork and regain your focus.

In my practice, I often see people succeed. It is true that success breeds success. There is nothing more powerful than experiencing what your mind and body are capable of. If I could give my son any gift, it would be the first taste of success.