#12 Months – 12 Kgs (26 lbs) My Fitness Journey

A personal story of motivation, discipline, and transformation

Hope some of you had read my earlier article on setting a high-altitude Continuous learning target –

https://www.dhirubhai.net/posts/selvarajvellaisamy_continouslearning-digitallearning-learningneverstops-activity-7165713508205096960-GrNh?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

Here comes a new learning, new target and a new achievement. How is this fitness one relevant here on Linked-in, even though it seems more of a candidate for one’s Facebook post? No, there are some lessons that are relevant to any goals or business, & could benefit the readers, so the article is here.

A year ago, I started this new journey of personal and physical transformation. In a way, this is also a new learning like a professional skill, as I entered into this fitness mindset, a gym for the very first time in my life at the level of an elementary school student. Looking back, 26 years gone in the IT industry and there had been no focus or time put on the physical and health wellbeing, as like many in the 40s comes this wisdom and here is what I learned in this journey.

A simple target of burning 12Kgs within 12 months was the target, and just not meeting it but sustaining it. Starting from a 16/8 Intermittent fasting, cutting down Carbs, reducing fatty foods and late night in takes – lot of such diet discipline had been brought into practice. And most importantly a formal gym instructor to learn the new skill (had no clue to use any equipment) and dedicating time to do this in a busy, travel filled, 24*7 operations role was the next big challenge. I planned my meals and snacks ahead of time, and my family helped to keep me on track. I also practiced portion control and mindful eating.

Even though this is about wellness, I did apply the practice of “Learn, Observe, Perform & Sustain” in both diet and gym practice - and the bottom line for all of this is discipline & perseverance.

Like every other plan, there were obviously lot of challenges, in terms of lack of sleep, work not allowing time to focus, cravings, slip-ups, comparisons, Impatient and many. ?I must thank my motivating friends, colleagues and family who helped me to hold on to this and generously encouraged me to build and stay fit. Thank you, Venkatesh Sajjanapu , Raj Jayaraman , Aravinthan Jayaraman , Arun Prasad Jaganathan , Brihu Padmanabhan , Karthikeyan Gurunathan, Selvakumar Arunachalam , Prabhu Bhaskaran , Vaidish Vasista Barathi , KrishnaPrakash K. , Usha Prakash. Most importantly my thanks and love to my Wife Asha who initiated, pressed and constantly motivated me and to my lovely daughters. A Special mention to my wife who made a beautiful poster for this article to motivate others.

The outcome of this is that it has helped my physical health and well-being, by lowering my blood pressure, body fat percentage & BMI range; and I am sure that I have increased my strength, endurance, speed, agility, and flexibility. I also improved my fitness skills and knowledge, by learning new exercises, techniques, and strategies. I also improved my fitness habits and lifestyle, by adopting a regular and consistent routine, and by making healthy choices.

If you are thinking of starting your own fitness journey, or if you are already on one, I want to share with you some tips and advice that worked for me, and that might work for you too. Here they are:

• Set a SMART goal: A SMART goal is one that is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, my goal was to lose 12 Kgs in 12 months, which was clear, quantifiable, realistic, meaningful, and deadline oriented. A SMART goal will help you stay focused, motivated, and accountable
• Make a plan: A plan is a detailed and organized outline of the actions that you need to take to achieve your goal. For example, my plan included my diet and exercise routine, my tracking and monitoring methods, and my support and resources. A plan will help you stay prepared, informed, and consistent
• Start small: A small start is a simple and easy way to begin your journey, without feeling overwhelmed or intimidated. For example, my small start was to cut out soda and walk for 20 minutes a day, which were manageable and doable changes. A small start will help you build momentum, confidence, and habits
• Be flexible: A flexible approach is an adaptable and adjustable way to continue your journey, without feeling stressed or bored. For example, my flexible approach was to modify my diet and exercise routine according to my schedule, preferences, and goals, which were dynamic and changing. A flexible approach will help you cope with challenges, enjoy variety, and optimize results. Not a cheat day but cheat weekend was one such
• Be patient: A patient attitude is a calm and positive way to complete your journey, without feeling frustrated or discouraged. For example, my patient attitude was to accept that weight loss is not linear or easy, and that it takes time and effort, which were realistic and optimistic expectations. A patient attitude will help you persevere, overcome, and succeed

To conclude, thank you for reading this, I hope that you found something interesting, informative, or inspiring. ?Remember, losing weight and getting fit is not impossible, you also need to track your progress, face your challenges, enjoy your benefits, and seek support. Most importantly, you need to believe in yourself, and to love yourself.

?