The effort of pursuing any worthwhile endeavor is about producing a desired result. And while we can exercise great control (often more than we realize) when it comes to said result, it's equally important to realize those things that we must simply accept.
It's the end of week 8, which means that it's time for my muscle periodization training to cycle again. Sunday night will bring about a new weightlifting routine, so that the results keep coming as my muscles are forced to adapt to the unexpected rigors they'll be put through. I'm still working out the specifics, as I'm torn between returning to the movements from the first 4 weeks and trying something completely different. There's a good chance I'll combine the two ideas - we shall see.
I've bumped up the intensity level for my early morning and nightly cardio sessions, and for my hourly activities at the office. At work, I try to do a minimum of 250 steps an hour (thanks for the reminders, Fitbit); sometimes it's just walking across the building and back, but I also take advantage of the workout room by getting in some table tennis or jumping on one of the treadmills. For certain, it's a lot of little things, but it all adds up to big results.
No real changes to my diet over the past eleven days. I continue to explore new recipes (the best of those I'll be adding here) which helps cope with the small portions. On weekends I do intermittent fasting as my schedule allows, but by and large I'm simply adhering to the same food restrictions that I imposed at the onset - very low carb/low GI/low fat foods. I purposefully didn't count macros as closely during the first six weeks or so, but I've begun paying a bit more attention to them now as I expect the weight loss to begin slowing down a bit.
For the record, my 8-week average has been around 1,000 calories a day. I don't see that as being sustainable in the months to come; at some point my body will adapt, and my metabolism will slow. When that happens, I'll have to spike my daily intake and reduce my cardio levels to hit the reset button - that way, I should be able to continue progressing towards my ideal weight and fitness goals with minimal disruption. I have begun adjusting my caloric intake in 2 day cycles to address fluctuations in my energy level, but even then I never take in more than 1,400 calories in a single day.
Some days this all seems as easy as breathing, while other days it is a great struggle. Temptation to cheat on my diet or to miss a workout haven't been super-frequent, but they're present enough to provide the proverbial pitfalls that I must be wary of. I've been able to stay focused on the big picture when times are tough - remembering where I've come from, how I got here, and where I want to be. Visualizing the positive results that continued dedication will render is sometimes the only thing that gets me through.
Most of the obstacles that we encounter are a product of our own imaginations, and can be overcome with the right mental approach. Similarly, negative thoughts and opinions - whether from your own psyche, or from the mouth of others - are only as loud as you give them the power to be.
Be at peace with the fact that, though we may surround ourselves with loved ones and try to cultivate a positive, healthy environment in which to live our daily lives in, you are the lone catalyst for your success. You may receive guidance, encouragement, and sometimes even a bit of assistance, but whether or not you reach your goals is determined solely by you, and you alone.
No amount of wanting someone else to invest as fully as you do in your personal journey will make that desire a reality. Be prepared to go it alone, if that's what the situation calls for. You won't be poorer from the experience unless you quit on yourself, so don't ever give up!
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