The Conundrum of Weight Gain and Loss

The conundrum of maintaining a slim physique sure is not an easy one to understand – and as one gets older and wiser, in some ways the game gets easier, and in other ways – harder.  Let me explain.

I’m 5 foot 9 with an average physique – always having led a pretty physically active lifestyle.  No question, that despite me not celebrating Christmas (I’m jewish), December’s not a good month as far as managing one’s weight is concerned.  It’s also little wonder that January is the busiest month of the year for new sign-ups at any gym – and this is because losing weight is the number one new year’s resolution  that there is. 

So, weighing in on January 1, 2013, I decided to cut the crap – so to speak – and do something about it.  Now, to be fair, it’s not like I would call myself obese, or even heavy – but you know what I mean – the weight had slowly been creeping on – a pound here, a  pound there – a pound everywhere.

So, January 1, I decided to lose some weight – setting myself a 120 day target to lose 20 pounds.  I’m 76 days into it and down 12 pounds –this is a good thing.  My pants fit better.  I sleep better.  I look better – and most of all, I feel better.   Whether I meet my target or not, there’s a few very important things I’ve learned

1.    This is all about a battle of the mind – No question, one’s mind can be your best friend, or your worst enemy – and this is particularly true in the world of weight.  Want to lose some?  Well – then conquer your mind that plays tricks on you all the time.  Stop making food the focal point of your day.  Don’t linger ion the kitchen.  Don’t start something you can’t stop.  All small mind games – that while sounding easy – are not

2.     Losing weight is not about starving yourself – it’s about developing, implementing and sticking to healthy eating (and drinking) habits.  For sure, I’d fallen onto some bad habits – eating late at night --- and that was a killer for me.  Now, I don’t even go into the kitchen after 9 at night – ‘cause if I go in – you know what I’ll be doing

3.       Mindful eating is a biggie – and by this I mean you gotta think what you’re eating.  We’re all busy – and it’s all to easy to grab something on the way out for you to chomp down in the car – and that’s a no-no in my world.  You gotta sit at a table.  No book.  No TV.  No gabbing on the phone while you’re eating – they all distract.  Look at your plate.  Note the texture and taste of each food – trust me – it’s the way to go.  Not only will you enjoy your food more – but you’ll lose weight too when you discover mindful eating

4.       If you fail to plan, then plan to fail – is what The Williams’ dad once said.  I guess he was referring to tennis, but he may as well have referring to losing weight.  No question I’m spending more time in the kitchen these days – lots more.  But it’s worth it.  I plan my meals ahead of time, so that I’m never starving.  Got a work function where you know the high-carb killers will be.  Doesn’t cut it saying, “I'll see how I feel when I get there” – rather I plan ahead so I avoid the waist-expanding killers.   I’ll take carrots, celery and other healthy stuff.  I’ll snack.  I won’t go to the sweet table – not on your life – and it’s not easy – it’s just what has to be done.  You know?  "You gotta do what you gotta do!"

5.       Perhaps brush your teeth after the main course - Have a problem resisting desserts?   Then get the taste of food out of your mouth.  That way (and research will confirm), that you’re far less likely to eat dessert – and you know that’s a good thing.

Personally, I’m neither a dietitian  nutritionist nor psychologist – as Joe Walsh would say, “I’m just an ordinary, average guy.”  

Does this stuff resonate?  Yes?  No?  Maybe? 

I'm interested

The Classiest "I've Been Fired" Letter Ever!

Fact: No matter what anyone says, no-one likes being called out - and no-one and I mean no-one likes admitting defeat, let alone complete failure.
 
Fact: Andrew Mason's "I've Been Fired" Letter which came across my desk yesterday was the classiest I've ever read. And you're speaking so someone (moi) whose spent his entire career in corporate communications.

The letter's at http://wapo.st/Y4YTdS

Anyway, there's a few things I'm going to point out ---

1.       He opens with "People of Groupon" - I like that. It's friendly - informal. None of this "Dear Employees" or "Honored Partners" - Andrew's kept away from the flowery.  He's friendly.  Sounds like one-of-them --- a team player, even in his demise.

2.       He's jocular - saying that he's liked to spent more time with his family - yeah right. He's 32. It sets the tone for reality. And then he goes on to say the real reason why he's going. He was fired. That simple.

3.       He  is honest. No-one liked to admit they were fired. And he says it as simply as one could --- "I was fired today." And furthermore he says why we was fired. And guess what - he deserved it. And here's the kicker! He takes responsibility - full responsibility. It wasn't the team's fault. Political unrest in some part of the world was not to blame either and nor was Obama's fiscal policies or a weakening of the economy. He says, "As CEO, I'm accountable."  There's no BS here.

4.       He goes on to compliment his (now former) team. "You are doing amazing things at Groupon, and you deserve the outside world to give you a second chance." and continues by saying, "I’m getting in the way of that."   In  that words he's saying that while he did the best he could have, it still wasn't good enough --- and again he takes full responsibility, clearly wishing the company only good things.  

5.       He compliments his board - this is the very board that canned him. He goes on to say, "The board is aligned behind the strategy we’ve shared over the last few months" -and this is important too. What this says to shareholders is that the dissention (to the extent there even is any) is at a minimum --- at least it appears that way.

6.       In the next paragraph he says that he loved Groupon. Now while this may be gentle PR speak for "Groupon - you go get lost now that you've canned me", I somehow believe this guy that he really loves Groupon - and while likely of little comfort to the company's shareholders, many of whom have been skinned alive on this poor investment, I still think his heart's in the right place.

7.       In the final paragraph he acknowledges he lost sight of the customer - Business 101. And it's clear he regrets it.

8.       He ends with, "I will miss you terribly. Love, Andrew" I don't think these endearing words have ever been at the end of an "I've-just-been-fired-letter" - And these words are simple. Powerful. Awe inspiring. 

I've spent the best part of a quarter century in corporate communications.  I’ve drafted resignation letter by the dozen.  I’ve also drafted “Ive-just-been-fired-letters as well --- and none of which come close to the class of Mason’s letter. 

Now for all I know some genius PR person could have drafted this letter - the contents of which are a crock. True or not, I think this is the classiest letter ever. You?