For Posterity - My Journey from BMI 31 to 24

“Discipline is not about perfection. It’s about consistency. One step at a time, every day.”

The story that I’m going to narrate here is neither unique nor exceptional… many have traversed this path, many like me are still on it, and many more will search and tread in this direction. This is simply a journey made on compulsion but with great results; external as well as internal.

Note, before you read further, that my way may not be perfect, and it may not be your way either. My choices may not be your choices. I'd suggest chart your own course. What worked for me, may or may not work for you.

I decided to write this out for my team and leaders at KPMG, who stood by me rock solid. It's great to make a team and even greater to find that you are surrounded by ocean of trust and support. Thank you.

So, this is for my team and also for my kid who would read this article someday feeling good about his old man.

For reference: This is me in Jul 2023.

Almost a year ago, a business travel while managing expectations across different time zones resulted in an incident that delivered a reality check that was hard to ignore. In the mid-40's and in a high-pressure consulting job, managing large team, and meeting stakeholders across globe was already a challenge, but now, my health demanded immediate attention.

I took time-off from my work to course correct and make better life choices. What followed was a journey of self-discipline, resilience, and transformation—one that not only changed my body but also my mindset. It was about learning to stay committed even when the world around me didn’t understand why I was doing this. My strategy was simple - determination, discipline and practice one step at a time, one decision and one "no" at a time.

The Times of India published how I did this on their online portal and in their print edition. I spare you from boring with what i ate and how i walked :) ... instead you can read the details here.

The physical results were undeniable—over 10 months, I lost close to 20 kgs and reduced BMI counter by 6.5 points. The bigger win was the mental clarity and the energy; I felt better and in control.

Result: This is me in Jul 2024.

Few nuggets that i collected on this path, here I'm sharing with the community.

1. The Power of Simplicity: In both health and team management, simple actions lead to significant outcomes. My daily walks taught me that straightforward, consistent efforts can also motivate teams to achieve their goals without overwhelming them with complexity. Focus on what truly matters, and you'll see results.

2. Trust the Process: Just as I adhered to a routine for weight loss, teams thrive on consistent processes. Establishing clear workflows keeps everyone aligned and focused, leading to collective success. Stay committed, even when results aren’t immediate.

3. Monitor Your Progress: Tracking my progress was vital to staying on course and get motivated through incremental successes, much like how regularly checking in with team members ensures projects stay on track. Regular feedback keeps everyone motivated and moving in the right direction. It’s essential to regularly assess where you are versus where you want to be, making adjustments as needed.

4. Value the Right Support: While my journey was largely self-driven, success also depends on the right resources and support system around you. In team management, identifying and empowering the right individuals ensures that everyone can contribute their best.

Journey in numbers:

If my story resonates with you, I encourage you to start your own journey—one step at a time. It doesn’t matter where you begin, but consistency and belief in yourself will take you where you need to go. If you’ve been on a similar journey or are thinking of starting, I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments.

My journey continues ... Here’s to a healthier, happier life!!!

Bonus - Historical Context: By the way, this is me 20 years back in 2004.