Declare Your Independence

We all have things that we consider to be our biggest obstacles. They are the tyrants that stifle our full potential and hold us back from greatness, keeping us from taking the next step to a better life. Have you had enough? Is it time to declare your independence?

As we celebrate the history of our country’s birth, I can’t help but draw the parallel between the struggles that people went through in deciding to stand up and fight for their freedom and the inner struggle most of us face to fight for a better lifestyle. My weight is something that has continuously been a battle in my life. I have written several posts about my attempts to balance exercise and a healthy lifestyle. Truth is, we all have those things we consider to be our greatest challenges. Maybe it’s time to declare your independence, draw that line, and rally the troops toward leaving a legacy that says that you’re in control not your fears or oppressive behaviors.

Write Your Magna Carta

It starts with sending your challenge a letter. It sounds corny, I know, sitting down and writing a letter to something that may not be physically present. In one of the goal setting procedures I use, one step is to outline what obstacles or challenges exist to reaching the goal. Analytically, this makes sense. In your mind you need to anticipate what bumps lie ahead, and plan accordingly. You also need to clearly outline why you’re taking this potentially long and difficult path. Emotionally, you need to give fear a face and a physical presence. You can’t fight what you can’t see.

The Troops

Once the decision is made, gather support. Tell your closest friends and family or whomever you choose. Maybe it’s your closest friend, your spouse, or a family member. I remember when a friend finally realized she had a problem with drinking; it became real to her when she started telling people. The people around you can be your biggest support system. Unfortunately, some “friends” or even family can also undermine your progress. Recently, I heard Jon Acuff (links to his stuff are below) talking about overcoming fear and reaching higher levels. One thing that resonated with me was his statement that by you facing your fears and reaching your goals it reminded some people that they weren’t. These are the people you need to limit your exposure to or even decide that their useful time in your life has passed. You need people in your life who will pick you up help you on your path, not hold you back. If this is going to be a war, you need allies. You need patriots who believe what you believe.

Hunker Down

This is not going to be a short process. Any real change requires discipline over time. That’s how water shapes rock and how we shape our behaviors to affect lasting change. You will have losses, setbacks, relapses into former behaviors and areas of comfort. But you left that place for a reason. I have never accidentally eaten anything (except for an occasionally bug while running). It is vital to remember that even though you have set backs, you’re still better off today then you were yesterday, even if yesterday was the day you started. If only because yesterday, you decided to start.

I urge you today to take time to write your letter and declare your independence.

Here are three books that I have found useful:

Jon Acuff writes some awesome stuff about facing fear in his books Quitter and Start.

How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie