To lose weight, we must be willing to put in the hard work. Weight loss requires us to give everything we have. Now, putting in maximum effort does not mean we need to physically exhaust ourselves by doing more than we are comfortable doing. If we push our bodies above our limits, we risk unwanted and preventable injuries; please read my post on staying in the zone for more information. However, whatever fitness level we are at, we must put in a maximum effort and push our bodies to reach their full potential.
An Unusual Work Ethic
Introducing John
Work starts at 8:30 AM. John is usually there on time. Sometimes he reaches late, but it means nothing to him. He does his given tasks and is out no later than 5:30 PM. He is comfortable with his salary because it pays the bills for now. John is not motivated to do anything extra because he has no great expectation of being promoted or getting a significant salary increase.
Introducing Tom
Tom is also employed at the same company and started in the same position as John. Unlike John, Tom’s family is influential in the business world. As a result, he can do the same things as John, or much less, and get promoted to high positions while John remains stagnant.
Introducing Paul
Paul also works at the same place, in the same position, as John and Tom. Paul is usually in very early, arriving before 8:30 AM to continue learning about the business. He aims to improve company processes, thus increasing the business’ profits. Sometimes, he stays at work later than 5:30 PM, putting in many unpaid hours to get things done. The boss likes Paul but treats him the same as John. John usually laughs at Paul for doing the extra for the same salary. Paul tries to explain his objectives to John, but it is a waste of time.
Paul's Success
Paul had an interview at another company. With his résumé, he got a position that pays far more than his current job. Paul continues being Paul, working late and going above and beyond in his role. Eventually, he reaches a point where he can decide his salary and moves around to better jobs as he desires. After a few years, Paul contacts John only to find out that John is working at the same company with a salary that is no comparison to his own. He is shocked and at the same time encouraged to continue being himself.
Paul is more than able to pay the bills and give to others. John struggles to make ends meet. However, Paul is not salary focused. Instead, he works for excellence and to improve himself. In doing so, Paul pleases his boss and his income increases.
Paul takes control of his position in life and waits on no one to do him favours. When the company he works for experiences financial hardship, Paul keeps his job as long as the company is in business. However, people with John’s attitude are usually the first to be sent home.
Who are you? John? Or Paul?
In the story, John does less than enough at work while Paul goes overboard with his duty. Paul is like a soldier training for war in the competitive working world. He does not live an ordinary life but goes through rigid training to defend his country. When financial challenges face John’s company, he keeps his job and manages through the storm. Just as Paul went above and beyond his role, we must timely push our bodies to different limits. Doing this prepares us for war against diseases, illnesses, and physical challenges.
Instead of focusing on weight loss, we should focus on living healthy. In a previous post, I shared an event in my life where my body temperature went sky high, about 100F. I could have had a heart attack. However, my daily runs strengthened my heart, preparing me for it. I did not need to be concerned about my fever because I was mentally and physically fit. Since being overweight results from unhealthy living, we don’t need to be concerned about it as we live healthily.
There are no guarantees in life.
There is no guarantee on how long we will live. However, doing our part to maintain good health is likely to extend our life. Even more important is the improvement in the quality of our life. No one wants to be bedridden or live in pain and discomfort for the last, say, ten years of their life, especially if they can avoid it. Unfortunately, many of us end up unnecessarily fighting in the end after not caring enough to be healthy. I want to be able to run and play with my grandkids in my old age. I want to enjoy myself, as opposed to not being healthy enough to do so. When we timely push our bodies to the limit, without killing ourselves, we deposit good health in a bank account for future use.
To continue reading, I suggest going to the prepare your meals post.
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