Do you really WANT to succeed?
June 16, 2009
Six months ago I weighed 225 pounds. I am now at 185, and in the best shape of my life. How did I do it, and what does my weight loss have to do with your business?
The "how" is very simple, as most things in life should be. I'm a big believer in Occam's Razor, which can basically be summed up as "keep it simple."
To lose the 40 pounds, I did two things: 1) ate less and 2) exercised regularly.
Everybody knows that to lose weight, that's all you have to do. So why are there thousands of weight loss supplements flooding the market promising to help you lose weight? Why doesn't everybody just eat less and get some exercise?
I believe it boils down to a lack of true desire. At the risk of offending the folks who have bought them, and putting the whole weight loss industry in an uproar, let me say this: I do not believe that people who buy weight loss supplements (as a rule) really want to lose weight.
I feel that way because people who are always looking for a "quick fix" to their problems don't seem to really desire to fix the problem. They just want a patch, a crutch to do the work for them.
With the exception of folks who have a medical condition that makes weight loss very difficult, I firmly believe that everybody who really wants to lose weight does.
Now, when I say that they want to lose weight, I don't mean they casually think "my, it sure would be nice to be thinner" as they stuff their face with chocolate cake and bonbons in front of the television. To me, those actions belie the claim that a person wants to lose weight. Those folks can take as much Hoodia as they want and they'll never lose an ounce.
People who really desire to lose weight (or accomplish anything else in life) take steps to make that happen. In the case of weight loss, it's a simple matter of wanting to be thin more than you want that piece of chocolate cake. You might want the chocolate cake, but if your desire to be thin is greater, you'll pass on the cake and lose weight. Period.
That brings me to your business, where your mentality can either cripple you or launch you to success. You really need to sit back and ask yourself a few questions:
Do I really want to succeed? Am I currently working my day job, comfortable in the "steady" paycheck and measure of security that my J-O-B brings me? Am I casually looking into the television of business while eating the bonbons of laziness thinking "my, it sure would be nice to be successful"?
Or is my success in business a priority? When I have a few extra dollars or an extra hour of time, do I put that money or time into working on my web site instead of buying that cool new app for my iPhone or watching my favorite sitcom?
It's important to do this kind of self-analysis and make sure that you truly want to succeed. Success needs to be more than just a "nice thought" of something you'd "like" to accomplish.
Of course, as with most things there is a good way and a bad way to accomplish your goals. Keeping with the weight loss analogy, you could just stop eating. Without a doubt, you would lose weight, but you wouldn't be healthy — and before long you'd be dead!
My wife and I have been using the Weight Watchers method of counting "points" to lose weight. It's not a diet, it's just a simple way to set manageable goals and learn how to eat better. It's very simple, and has been fantastically effective. Following their proven system helped me to lose weight twice as fast as going at it on my own.
We go to the Weight Watchers meetings, which are run by a person who has lost a lot of weight (and kept it off for a long time) using the system. So we've been taught by a person who knows how to succeed.
The same principles apply to your business. It's important that you establish a healthy routine that's been proven to work. Just doing whatever comes to mind isn't usually the best way to succeed. It's usually better to follow the patterns of success already laid out by people who have proven to be successful.
You can do that by reading a successful person's blog, or following them on Twitter to see how they manage their time throughout the day. You can read the reports they write and use the products they use.
Of course, following somebody else will only get you so far. Again returning to the weight loss analogy: I took Weight Watchers one step further and adjusted their system to cut back on my daily fat intake. Bringing my level of fat intake down to a healthy, but trimmer, 20% of daily calories caused an additional acceleration in my weight loss. I reached my goal weight a few weeks ago, and now it's just a matter of maintaining my current weight (which has not been a problem).
With your business, especially when first starting out you definitely want to stick to a healthy, successful routine that has been proven. In time, though, you'll want to start branching out on your own and adding your own twist that makes you unique and sets you apart from the crowd. Depending on your personality and level of success, how soon this happens for you will vary, but it will come in time.
So to recap, success in business requires three things:
- A real desire to want to succeed that's followed up with actions.
- Learning from successful people.
- Finding ways to improve on what you've learned and set yourself apart from the crowd.
Make sure you follow that path, and I guarantee you in time you will achieve your goals.
Please post your thoughts and questions in a comment below.
Comments
94 Responses to “Do you really WANT to succeed?”
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Jonathan Leger has been earning his living online full-time since the fall of 2004. He regularly posts advice about search engine optimization (his current passion), AdSense and Internet Marketing. 
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There are several things I like about this post.
1. I currently weigh 235 pounds with a target of 190. I just started a exercise bootcamp that my employer offers — military style. So, I am right behind you. Six months from now, I plan to write a followup post.
2. I love the fact that you know about Occam's Razor. As an engineer by profession, I use that concept literally every day. Your understanding of this concept shows in each and every one of the products that you launch — straightforward, effective, targeted.
3. This post is right on. The more people I coach about MMO and IM, the more I realize that success is more about wanting to succeed than anything else. It is not about shiny new toys, or the latest method, or some trick. It is the simple fact that you cannot get something for nothing, and you have to stay the course to succeed.
Great post Jon.
Warmest regards,
Mark
Hey Jonathan
Yes - being determined and having a system that's simple so you can stay with it is key.
Thanks for sharing,
James
Well timed blog for me, I've lost 14.5 lbs using weight watchers (online only) with a goal of 20. It's taken me only 7 weeks so far, and has been very easy to do. Eat fewer calories, exercise more. I'm not a joiner person so the meetings were hard to imagine, but I love the online version they have. It's pretty inexpensive, easy to understand and it WORKS! Way to go Jon, congrats on your 40 lbs lost!
Congrats on your weight loss
Great post Jon! Your right most folks want a "get it quick" method because their either too lazy or just don't have the drive and ambition to make anything happen…..
Ya know my friend lost over 100lbs in 8 months and he complains about his day job and I try to tell him what I do… and he thinks he can't do it…. I keep telling him if you can lose 100lbs you can do anything ya know… I tell him to write a ebook on losing weight or members forum anything…
btw it's not Hoodia anymore its acai berry lol …..
Congrats Jon!
So, now you need to post a before and after photo with you now in a speedo! Haha … believe me … I'm kidding! Please DON'T do that!
Anyway, that's awesome and truly great analogy into our business life.
Action is the most simple concept, yet one of the most difficult.
As always, your stuff is great.
Mark
You are so right - things are over complicated. I too need to lose weight, but I've chosen not to commit to it so far. That's all that's missing, my commitment
BUT when I decided to stop smoking, after 35 years as a 1-2 pack a day man, I didn't buy the gum, the courses etc. I just did one thing: I decided to stop and did.
My goal for this year is the same with, not only addressing my weight and exercise issues in the same fashion, but to take that singular (and many might say simplistic) tactic and apply it to other aspects of my life - not least my IM habits and routines.
Many Internet Marketers are, by nature, loners - and nothing wrong with that. Doesn't mean to say that following a road map of someone who has already achieved what you want to do is a bad idea, far from it. Take inspiration from wherever you can…
PS: Tell the world what you are setting out to achieve - don't keep it to yourself - it's a great motivation technique. If they laugh, so much the better!
Great job Johnathan! You are completely right about keeping it simple. If you want to lose weight, eat right and follow a good exercise routine.
Shannon
Jonathan,
First congratulations on your weight loss.
Last year in March I weighed 226 in the Dr's office and decided that that was to much. I now weigh 190, this was mostly by
watching what and how I ate.
chuck
Hi Jonathan,
Very true, and inspirational.
We all know this but we rarely follow and try to look for short cuts, and start jumping from one product to another.
Regards
Madhan.
Hi Jonathan!
I love this post and the message it is sending everyone… This is the exact message I am continually striving to get across to my readers and you have done an amazing job relaying the message that consistency is key!!!
Get job on the weight loss too
Best Wishes,
Shannon Lueck
Jonathan,
I liked your post, a good read..they usually are. I lost about 34 lbs or so myself because I knew it wasn't good for me period. I was eating to much plain and simple, so I stopped myself from doing so. I think it's simply a matter of making up your mind and following thru like you spoke of whether that's in your business or in your personal life or both. Make a committment and stick with it and things will fall in line as they should.
Dave
Very well put Johnathon. Desire and determination are the key elements to any success program.
Very timely also. Not so much for losing weight , but keeping my eye on my business and keep plugging away a bit every day.
Thanks for the great advice once again.
I am trying to help people find a product that will help them lose weight and keep it off. Some programs cost to much money, and some just don't work. My website is able to help someone get answers to their questions and or get started on a program to help lose weight and or buy excersize equipment. If you or anyone you know needs to lose weight I guarantee you will like this site.
What you say is so true. One needs to have a burning desire to succeed, whether it is to lose weight or build a successful business. If this element is missing then it won't happen as there is no sense of urgency to do what it takes to get the desired result. Great post.
Michelle Jayes
40 lbs
wow, I need to do that.I drink my calories, coffee with sugar,soda,and I don't gain weight but I don't lose it ether.
So keep it simple,good rule.
I will try it.
K.
Jon,
Congratulations on the weight loss. I have been involved in a Washington University study of human calorie restriction investigating life extension. I have with my own discipline maintained my weight loss for over 10 years, currently at 2000 calories per day. I am 6 feet tall and weigh 130 pounds. (Used to be 156 pounds and had health problems, they are all gone.)
I feel great, but as you can imagine, it takes tremendous discipline to maintain such a diet. Now I am applying this same discipline to developing an online business. I am following what others have learned (you are one of them) to benefit from their experience (thanks!). But as you say, I will make it my own as I adapt the techniques to what works for me. And I know I will achieve my goals.
Doug
Congratulations on keeping that weight off Jon, that's fantastic.
You're right - ultimately it IS simple. Mike and I here laugh about a comedian we heard, talking about how he lost weight using this amazing new diet. He said it was the…
EAT LESS FOOD diet
I do agree about desire and motivation. For example, when someone is told by their doctor that their days are numbered unless they change their lifestyle, their motivation to change overrides all those old physical and mental habits…
Everyone else though, needs help getting that motivation going - and there are certainly a number of things folks can do to make 'change' a lot easier.
All the best,
James
Jon,
Congratulations on your weight loss!
And what a great idea comparing it to succeeding on line.
I guess that it is just that simple and boils down to:
"If you think you can, or you think you can't, either way you are right" as Henry Ford used to say.
Bob
Hi Jonathan,
1. A real desire to want to succeed that's followed up with actions.
2. Learning from successful people.
3. Finding ways to improve on what you've learned and set yourself apart from the crowd.
I have the desire but learning from successful people is my obstacle because many claim success to lure you in to purchase something from them.
I am at number 3. Thanks for post
Love the post and the analogy. I am a practicing herbalist and naturopath candidate.
Over the years I have had many people want to know how to lose weight and the perfect combination of eating less(of even the right foods) and exercising more is it.
And as far as it applies to business…right on point
Congrats Jon on the weight you've shed! You are right, shedding pounds is about a decision, a decision you keep reminding yourself of many times a day.
Most people can lose weight on whatever plan they follow. (and I agree that WW is a pretty good one.) However, most people, in fact about 95% of them, regain some or all of the weight a year or two down the road, regardless of which plan or diet they followed initiall, a good one or a bad one.
We all know WHAT we are supposed to do, yet why do SO many people regain the weight?
It's about our programming; what goes on in our subconscious, aka our paradigms. Unless you actively work to change the paradigms that got you heavy in the first place, you can rest assured that they will (eventually) get your weight back up there again. This is why so many people fail in the longer term.
I was the consumate dieter, I could always get the weight off. Keeping it off was another story. There was nothing I wanted more than to be slim, yet dieting (and even WW) only led me to eventually regaining all (or even more) of the weight back. After years of working on my weight, I topped out at 306 lbs. Once I learned about paradigms, how they played into weight, and how to change them and my programming to keep me slim, I finally managed to shed 135 lbs and have kept it off for 7 years now.
You must pay attention to your thoughts and your programming, not your stomach and the food, to get permanent results. It's not easy changing your thoughts, but it is simple.
Check out {snip: no personal urls please} to see how I managed to reprogram myself into "thin thinking" . I felt so passionate about what I had finally discoverred that I wrote a book about it to help everyone out there who wants to not only get to, but stay at, their ideal weight. I would be happy to send you a copy of the book if you are interested in reading it.
Stacey Grieve
You're right Jon, it's all down to desire.
I want to lose some weight, I just don't have enogh DESIRE right now.
Have to work on that..
John.
Way to go Jonathan!
I lost 150+ pounds and have kept it off for over 35 years now. Weight Watchers is a good program no question. I am a licensed psychotherapist as well and I promise you for some folks things are just not as simple as Weight Watchers being the solution. Some folks are indeed food addicts that require a holistic approach to get into food addiction recovery. Glad that you find it is working for you and your wife is so supportive.
Henry
This is one of the articles I love to read. The real "call to action". When one takes the decision of leaving the stereotype of the 9 to 5 job and having to report to someone else about every minute on the day, a true desire to succeed and the will to make it happen it's fundamental. It feels almost like that "Matrix" movie when Neo wakes up.
We open our eyes to a new world of opportunities but this is true. We are not sometimes truly committed to our goals due mainly to decades of brain washing by our governments and the corporations controlling them.
We are taught from the moment we learn to speak that we need to work for someone for a minimum wage and you will be received with mockery and pity if you claim you could create your own business.
Well done Jon! Your article is a real inspiration.
Jon,
Way to go! Now the challenge is in keeping it off long term.
I have an addiction to running that has always kept the pounds off. I get depressed when I can't run. I wish I felt that way with article marketing!
Marc
The word decide comes from the Latin decidere, which means to cut off.
Once you've cut yourself off from any other outcome, the rest must follow. A true decision does not allow for failure. If you encounter setbacks you simply get up and try again.
As so many people have said in the past, some of the most successful people in the world have failed many times, only to get right back up and keep going. Eventually, bad habits have a way of giving in when faced with such determination!
There are ways to bolster determination, but ultimately making a true decision is always the first step to accomplishing anything worthwhile.
As you rightly say, many people do not really want success. They want the 'idea' of success. Ironically, it's not a million miles away from gamblers. The real thrill for most of them is the possibility of winning, not the actual winning. Anticipation is a very powerful emotion.
Then there's the whole issue of believing that you 'deserve' success - a big problem for a lot of people. If you deserve success and it's all down to you, who do you blame if it doesn't work out? That's right, yourself.
For many people the idea of personal accountability is very scary. Much easier to blame 'them', 'your parents', 'your genes', the government', anything but yourself.
Choose a path
Take A Path
Tweak the Path
Succeed
Sounds very simple boiled down to a few steps!
Amin
Jon,
Great post. Totally agree with what you say. I'd be inclined to add a fourth point to your summary at the end — stay focused, don't be side-tracked by every potential distraction that comes along.
Michael
Great Metaphor! But Your WRONG About Fat People!!!!!!!!!!!
Can grats — now you will face the real issue of keeping the weight off !! Hopefully in 6 months you will say its offfff and staying off!!!!
This leads to the real issue of weight loss supplement - a niche market in which I have tremendous success.and understand.. why? because it is not about actually losing weight — first you need to understand the person who is typing "weight loss …" who are they?
Jon, I am wondering if have you tested this market and understand the person behind weight loss keywords?
You statements regarding 'shortcuts" and the implied value judgment that "Fat people are Lazy" makes me think about my own personal success marketing to this group…
In my experience they are in fact women who are fearfull of gaining back weight not people looking for a short cut! It is amazing to survey this group and learn that these women are actual at a perfect weight, but their self perception is that "They THink they are fat…
When you understand this second phase of the weight loss cycle you can then go on to underlying truth of "occam's razor" - which states 'DO NOT OVER SIMPLiFy".
Sorry Jon your post is awesome in its intent and your achievement is remarkable..but please do not over simplify it's a tragic mistake that we are all guilty … just because it worked for you, does not give you the right to expand a universal law upon the world…
… weight loss in the end is not about determination and calories in verses calories out , its about a person with a unique history and story facing different obstacles and challenges… as a personal trainer I can tell you of many great clients who have the best attitude and determination, but not the result…. why because weight loss needs to be understood in its context, just like internet marketing — there are many paths to great results, and we must all strive to take ownership of what we know and apply it to or situation…there by creating our own future !
Very nice article and very true. I just wonder what could be packaged up to help people have the desire to accomplish some of the things they want to accomplish. I think Tony Robbins is the only one I've seen that may get close to helping people reach some of their goals. Anyway again very nice article.
Jonathan, thanks for a little boost, I needed a little kick in the butt today. Too many bills - not enough income - too much "what if" wondering - not enough action.
Kris
You hit the nail on the head. Like anything (Weight loss, Relationship building, business growth, personal development, etc) there is not a "Quick Fix". Patience, dedication, and perseverance are all that truley works.
Great article!
Jonathan,
Great post, so true with everything you do, if you don't have the passion, you are not going to get very far.. Some people just need a kick in the backside sometimes to get a move on… I have seen the light recently and I am looking forward to moving into the future with my head held high and my goals being met.
To Your Success,
Clint Anderson
Great analogy, you made some excellent points in your post! In business and in losing weight, I think the most important part is making up your mind and following thru. Discipline and system (routine) is what you need to succeed.
Jon,
Congratulation for your success to reduce your weight. Always keep in mind to how to lose weight safely.
Erik,
Sorry, but you sell weight loss pills, so I have a hard time accepting your defense. Also, I completely disagree with your assertion that people with the right motivation can't always suceed at losing weight. Baring some medical problem, I just don't buy that.
As long as there are people looking for a quick-fix solution, there will be weight loss pills.
Also, as to keeping weight off: just don't go back to eating junk once you've lost the weight. If you've used quick-fix solutions that may be a problem, but if you learn proper diet and exercise I don't see why it would be.
As you said, though — that was not the point of my post.
Great Jon
I too am on my way to losing….apx 65 pds.
Thanks
Chris
Excellent article Jon, as always.
Congratulations on your weight loss! Many of us suffer from the sit-in-front-of-the-computer all day-long-syndrome, and even well into the evening, and never walk further than the fridge or to make a tea or coffee.
The 'online' lifestyle of sitting all day is really detrimental, and we all know that, but what we really need to do is go for a walk - think about our online activities - and before we know it the fresh air and exercise will help our thoughts to grow and chrystalise.
I've started doiong this the past week and am amazed at how such a small thing can make such a huge difference
You're right, we need to decide we want to get healthy/build our business, then be focussed, and just do it! Visualising our goals, even while walking, is an excellent way to let our subconscious know what WE WANT.
Thanks for the inspiring words, Jon!
Cheers
Teena
It might sound as a joke (but it isn't), I'm in the opposite situation: i weigh 56 kg and have hard times to GAIN weight !
ciao
alex
Great post and congrats on weight loss. As a fitness bootcamp owner and trainer I really liked to hear about mark starting fitness bootcamp at work! awesome…:)
Thank you again
Jon:
Great work. Keep eating healthy and exercise. Healthy eating is a way of living and must be thought of as a long term proposition. As you said it is desire and action that gets things done.
Linda
I always thought the mental stuff of business was kind of a waste of time or at best a luxury. I have been reading articles on increasing your business by imagining what it is you want to accomplish first, then writing it down and reading it each day - first thing in the morning and every night before going to bed. Finally taking action to bring me closer to my objectives. I started about two weeks ago and have seen a dramatic increase in the business opportunities coming to me. Is it magic? I dunno, but who cares, seem,s to be working.
Thanks for he article. You and your subscribers are the tops.
I lost 13 pounds this year. Because of the 3 tumors that I had removed I had gained weight. the meds were awful and slowed down my metabolism making it super hard to lose. But I just said — I'm doing it !! And I did it.
There comes a time when we just need to go for it and put the blinders on and Just Do It .
And that's what I did this year - I'm still in the process and I believe I will achieve even more weight loss from now til the end of the year.
We must put goals for ourselves and go for them.
All the best,
Eren
Thanks Jonathan, more good usable information. I'm Trevor White
I have #1 above, but deciphering all the material out there, who's real, who's a scam, it's difficult finding the mentor to follow and learn from. This does make me mad. Cut and dry.
-I've been online since 2000 starting with ebay, and got my 1st. email account. Yo hoo.
-After dabbling for years, and making squat, I did some soul searching and made a plan to get involved with affiliate marketing.
I was fine with making squat, since I was dabbling. That was 2005. I saw the opportunities that affiliate marketing offered.
-I made a goal to generate 5k/Mo. by 2008. I gave my self 3 years.
-Today-I have some sites and blogs, making nothing, spent thousands on guru's and still trying to find "that mentor to follow".
I am fine with all of this. I have learned a great deal and am happy with what I have learned.
But, finding that mentor…-any ideas?
Thanks, Trevor White
Eben Pagan puts it like this Jon: are you prepared to do whatever it takes for as long as it takes to reach your goals? Obviously you were and kudos to you for that!
Jon,
Congrats on the weight loss! Great post and very well put. It's true, most that say they want to lose weight don't truly desire it, just want the 'magic pill' that does it for them. I know, many years ago I tried that route and failed miserably. Now when I coach clients that want to release weight I also affirm the importance of desire… and your own desire, not some else's.
Tying this same principle to IM and anything else is the real secret to success universally IMHO. And keeping it simple and on target is right on.
As many hear have noted… are you ready to do whatever it takes to reach your goal? Take this approach to anything you do.
Thanks and kudos for the 'on target' post!
Mark
In whatever you want to accomplish, believe in it, know you can do it, have no doubt and focus, focus and focus again.
Whatever you really want to do, you can!
Great post and congratulations on your weight loss.
I happen to agree with the previous poster, Henry Harlow though. We are all individuals and the psycholgical aspects of "self awareness", be it our weight, or any other aspect of appearance, are not the same in every person.
Let's look at how many people (mostly females) suffer from anorexia, bulemai, etc..
They see themselves as "fat" yet are severely malnourished.
As far as your analogy applied to IM, I love it. My limited success as come after spending money on a private membership, where it's much easier to "stalk" your IM model. I have tried to re-inveswt some of the money, but I know I could be light years ahead of where I am at now, if I took more "focused action" instead of just action.
Jonathan, I'm not gonna say "great post" since everybody else already did but I would like to ask you a followup question. If you look at the people that are not successful in their businesses and have been struggling for years, then what would you say to them?
Is it because they just don't want to succeed "enough" and feel that they "would like to be successful" rather than "must be successful"?
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
/Mikael
The best way to KEEP THE WEIGHT OFF is to eat according to your blood type. If you do this you really don't need to "count calories". The right foods for your blood type have an automatic cleansing effect on your system. The right foods act as natual healing medicines.
When combined with exercise the effects are stunning. I'm 53 (54 in August) and my exercise of choice is a fast paced martial arts routine (JKD). I know how each food within my allowed group reacts in my system. And I know when I stray from the main group I pay the price in speed and endurance.
I had to learn to give up certain foods that I've been raised on. Being blood type "A" I learned my type really doesn't do well with meats. Major bummer.. there went the hamburgers! But I can eat chicken and turkey! I had to adapt to foods I've never eaten in the past .. such as tofu .. just the name was enough to make me feint in disgust. But, what would YOU do for better health? Greater endurance? To feel better day in and day out? I learned to change my ways.
Learn and adapt. The key to all success.
Though its only 3 things required, but I think it'd take time to achieve it
Great post! You just gave me the last kick in the butt that I needed to get started with my own weight loss program. My stumick is way to big and my wife is not that happy about that. She says that 40 year old guys like me will sooner or later get a heart attack. I don't want that.
Great post, Jon. Just goes to show that a disciplined, common sense approach is far more successful than a 'quick fix'.
Well done Jon
Dropping the pounds safely and intelligently is the first part your your journey. It is even harder tomkeep it off — unless –.
Permanent results require behavioural modification. Just like a junkie on drugs, it is necessary to be on guard every day.
Stick with the newly acquired healthy foods routine. Buy a set of horse blinders to block your vision on those days you must drive the gamut of fast food outlets.
Read the labels. Avoid the package food aisles. Keep the body moving, and live an extra ten lean and healthier years as an additional benefit of your effort.
A very few unfortunate souls are genetically predisposed to being overweight, but most of us can make some headway if we understand our food production system and avoid the built in traps laid by large food producers such as - huge amounts of salt, many sugar variations added to products, and products processed to the point that they are virtually bankrupt nutritionally.
Find a balance between living to work and working to live. Hug a child, pet your dog, smell the roses, and do a kind deed for a stranger - for no special reason.
It is all part of life and living. Everything is connected.
Keep up the good work.
Hi Jon,
Agreed with you completly about the lack of desire point…
Thanx for suggesting the weight watchers website…
Also, Jon, it would have been good to post a before and after picture..
Thanx
Anish
Great post, Jon and kuddos on your weight loss. Many online marketers are faced with a weight problem from not getting enough exercise and sitting long hours in front of a monitor, present company included! Its good to hear that you can be open and honest about it and provide good sound advice in both the weight and business aspects of it without going into a hard sale over the latest online miracle program! Many marketers would have, but not you. I honestly appreciate you being a stand-up guy, Jon. Keep up the good work and congrats on your weight loss!
Firstly, I do believe that you have to feel good about yourself in order to clearly apply your mind to the task of building a successful business.
Once I chose to diet and do regular exercise I lost weight and felt so good about myself that it gave me the motivation and drive I needed to quit my job and work online.
I once met a couple of very successful marketers who kept themselves very fit. Their view on life success was that if you cannot manage yourself, how can you really expect to manage your business!
The mechanics of weight loss seems on the surface to be very simple as you stated just eat less and exercise more.
I have used Hypnosis to help people lose weight or as we say "shed pounds" It is a very helpful addition to the eat less and exercise plan because it reaches the emotional context of "eating" we learn from our childhood days…"The Happy Meal?"
If that emotional conditioned reflex is not addressed…will power does not stand a chance.
Many overweight people eat when they are; Sad, Happy, Bored, Excited, angry, etc. etc. almost never because they are "hungry" Until that "emotional" level of eating is addressed most are doomed to yo yo diets for the rest of their lives
Your post is dead on. My take on it is: considered action yields results.
My search for a shortcut in marketing has me going in circles, never sticking with one plan long enough to honestly know if it works or not.
If I had the money to throw around, heaven only knows how much I would have spent searching for that magic pill.
It is like "My Own Private Hoodia"
Jon,
I have a friend that is severly overweight. She would tell you that she really wants to lose weight. She sits on the couch all the time and eats. How bad does she want it?
I have been within 10 lbs of my goal weight all of my life. If the pants start to get a little tight I just lighten up a few meals and try to get a little more exercise.
Good job on making your goal.
Rick
Hi Jon,
First of all congratulations on achieving your goals. The outline you offer is of course accurate, but I'd also like to contribute a couple of additional key elements to most success (whether it's weight loss or building a business.)
1) Be consistent. You have to do the new actions repetitively, not just "when you remember" or "if you feel like it." You must be prepared to discipline yourself, remove the distractions, and DO the actions.
2) If you discover something isn't working (and you have given it enough time to see if it will — like, more than one day, for example. . . ) then you also need to be prepared to do one or both of the following:
a) tweak your plans to improve your results
b) ask for help (yeah I know this one is hard especially for guys, but. . . with this one we're back to "how badly DO you want that?") Help is not a 4-letter word! It can save your life.
Hope this helps
Mikael:
If somebody has been at it for years without success, it's usually a problem with not focusing rather than not being truly motivated. Can't jump from idea to idea and expect success.
Thanks for sharing, i get new motivation from this article.
I definitely agree with your main points. I know a lot of people, and I am guilty of this myself in some respects, who say they want to change or achieve something but they don't really put any effort into it. You really need to identify the source of the problem and work on changing that aspect. So for example, there are people who want to lose weight an start working out in order to do that. But they don't change their eating habits, so they don't really see a difference. And then they say well I tried and it didn't work so it's probably not possible for me. But the problem in the first place is that they didn't make the effort to identify what needs to be changed and they didnt work on changing it.
Jon,
Talk about timing. I just decide that I was going to lose 40 lbs by exercising and cutting back on what I eat.
This is how I made my business work for me.
Thanks for the stimulus and I won't need a bailout. LOL
Jon,
Thanks for your honest reply - as your body ages you may come to understand that what worked as a 20 year old fails as a 30 year old, …etc with each decade new unexpected challenges.
Foods that gave you energy now give you gastric distress. The expert knowledge you lived by now is no longer support by legitimate science research. Food that you once considered healthy and safe is now labeled as toxic and harmful.
And your assertion about my work is wrong — I do not sell diet pills, I promote natural weight loss supplements and education about authentic alternative mindsets towards weight loss. I collaborate with cutting edge researchers from prestigious schools like Harvard, MIT and Medical research schools like University of Western and McMaster University. What you read in popular media is 5-6 behind current research. In the next 3 years you will see the popularity of terms like foodicide, death by food and diet medicine.
I really wish I could live in an oversimplified world, but my experience and life lessons again reveals the law of reverse effect and the myth of will power and determination. I agree desire, discipline and deeds are necessary, but too often not sufficient.
Good-luck with years of health and happiness
Erik:
Thanks for your more toned down response.
First, I doubt seriously that either MIT or Harvard has released any papers stating that herbal supplements are a requirement for any weight-loss focus group.
Second, if you'll read through all of the comments to this post, you'll see a lot of people who have lost weight and kept it off — none of whom have endorsed weight loss supplements. Hardly definitive, I admit, but certainly anecdotal.
The bottom line is this: burning more calories than you take in, it is physically impossible for a person not to lose weight. That means eating less (or healthier) and/or burning calories through exercise.
Anyone who says anything else is selling something. Since you've already admitted that you are, in fact, selling something, forgive me if I remain unconvinced.
Hello Jon,
Congratulations… I agreed with with this post, am battling smoking at the monement 3rd week cigarette free.
Then Weight… I am really finding it hard to contentrate on internet marketing just now. One thing at a time…
Agree desire and action work. Sean.
Thanks for this great and very inspiring post.
I'm expecting more from you… more power!
Thank's for your info. This is very useful for beginner like me. Than'ks
Hey Jon another awesome post.
I'm always expectantly waiting for your emails to notify me of your new posts.
I've also been starting to hit the gym again. And controlling how much I eat is one of my biggest problems.
I actually started forming a habit that when I get bored I just eat and eat.
My current weight is 185. My goal is to lose 10 pounds by fall.
Thanks for your inspiring post. And congrats with the weight loss.
Carl
P.S. - I found this article at NY Times about 'Ab Workouts Hurting Your Back'. It's an eye opening read.
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/17/core-myths/?em
I think everyone want succeed..:)
thanks sharing great article here..
very nice.
Very interesting, Jon, I have always believed that we can really lose weight if we all do what you did - 1.eat less, and 2.exercise more. Thanks a lot for sharing this. It's sure helpful
Eat less and exercise more? Jeez, next thing you will be telling me is that all I need to rank well is good content on my website and loads of keyword anchored back links. It can't really be THAT simple, can it? LOL
I agree completely. Although I do not need to lose weight, I have other goals and can't stress the importance of really wanting your goal.
Most of us have that breaking point where you think "enough is enough" and that's enough to catapult us into action, this is especially true with weight and health goals.
Totally Agree- We tend of "overthink" things- especially when it comes to SEO. Fueled by forums which are opinion without any type of testing done…..we run off and make "statements" which are really still opinions….
I have a tendency to yell "show me the proof!" - the test in isolation!
LOL- I guess that's why I am a customer of yours………
Wow Jon congratulations on the weight loss and thanks for another really great post.
Isn't it funny how most people know what to do in order to achieve a goal yet find it so difficult to reach?
I too have fallen into this category many times, weight loss has never been one of them. I've always been a health nut and exercise freak.
That is until I injured my back at work, so many issues came along with this injury.
Two years after the injury I find myself unemployed unable to collect disability or unemployment (after 22 years of working) with a mortgage that's difficult to keep up with along with other bills, 30 plus pounds over weight and tons of emotional issues.
Never one to feel sorry for myself, I began doing what I know I have to do in order to get where I want to be.
Today I've lost 15 pounds and continue to workout and eat healthier. I've also really been working on my many websites that are starting to bring in some money.
Not nearly what I need but there's nothing more inspiring then an affiliate check or a check from Google.
Thanks for a great post and good luck to you and your wife with your weight loss.
I think, everyone wants to be succeed, and those tips are definitely helpful for those who want to succeed. Agree?
Good for you, although 40 pounds in 6 months seems like a crash diet. 20 pounds would be a lot healthier rate (easier to maintain later on). But I guess you know what you're doing.
Keeping consistent with the Occam's Razor theory, one of my favorite quotes regarding the theme of this post comes from famous Chinese General Sun Tzu in his acclaimed work "The Art of War".
The quote: "The successful warrior wins first, and then goes to war. The defeated warrior goes to war first, then seeks to win", speaks to the importance of the mentality of success and determination, and to the fact that more often than not, the battle is either won or lost before it has even begun.
Success comes from within. And I feel that if a person has the will, desire, and determination to to succeed, then they will most definitely do it.
Even with your inspirational weight loss story, it all comes down to determination.
I want to detoxify my body and loss weight healthily and rapidly. I want to lose 90 lbs by the end of the year.
Hi Jon
Well laid out post. Truely inspirational to someone who is looking for success in business especially internet markeing. The reason is obivious ( you have more distract in internet markeing than any other business)
I am confident this will help the prolonged success seekers a with a twist
Where is the 3rd part of the Information you promised for Monday?
Yes where is the 3rd part i am waiting for it.
The Art of war by SunTzu is a great work. Article seems a reflection of Suntzu work.
This is just a question.
What do the people who dno not "desire" to lose wait or be ich do?
Do they just stay fat or poor/frustrated?
Or do they have to wait until they break and reach tipping point?
I totlaly agreee wuth your 100% desire and focus mentality. I know why and how that works.
I'm just curious what the non believers should do.
It seems a great shame to just leave them to rot.
I don't think feeling bettrer just by joining in and buying diets/IM guru courses, is worthy.
But mayb ethere is a club they can join where they cna make at least a SAMLL impact. I mean like ants, on their own, cna; tdo much. But 1000 of them.
Maybe as a group they might only lose 1 pound, or arn 1 dollar between them all, but it is something.
ANd what I imagine is when 1000 people get together and "something" happens, many more may not break, but jump.
WDYT?
DO we just aandon fat poor people, or is there low hanging fruit for these people (not to eat obviously - LOL)
Just curious.
Peace and light.
Peter
looking in good shape is what every one wants. Some are fortunate enough to look in shape with out any fuss or exercise. But some have to take care of their diet with hefty exercise plans in order to be in shape.
You make a lot of good points, especially one I have practiced in the short time being in the business. Observing, looking at how more experienced and successful Internet marketeers are doing it.
I found a site on the 1st page #3 position using blogger in a highly competitive search (making money beginners-350mil) 0PR - Alexia 2,010,012. How did this happen? I'm still trying to figure this out, has to be linking..
The point, observing costs nothing, the education can be priceless, it's time on your part. Sounds like a good deal to me..
Regards
Jon,
Keeping things simple it's part of the equation, no doubt about it. Knowing exactly what you want to achieve is another part of the puzzle.
This reminds me of kaizen, a japanese approach to productivity, which can also be applied to life. Kaizen practitioners look forward to improving their lives, their processes, their products all the time, through small changes that make a great deal when added together.
It's just like your weight loss goal. You can't go overnight from 230 lbs to 180 lbs. It takes time, effort and a methodical approach that will allow you to shed pounds one at a time.
I believe that's key to achieve most things in life.
Enjoy!!
Jorge R.
Jon,
It sounds so easy to do. Sadly, most people don't put their effort where their mouth is and they keep waiting for a miracle to happen.
I believe the key to it all is to take action now, to go for your goals all the time, to breathe success and to do it all over again. if something doesn't work, then try something else and do it fast regardless of past experiences.
Sapere Aude.
Adieu,
Claude
I really wish I could live in an oversimplified world, but my experience and life lessons again reveals the law of reverse effect and the myth of will power and determination. I agree desire, discipline and deeds are necessary, but too often not sufficient.
Hi,
I think everyone wants to be successful in life but its not possible for everyone.To become a successful person,one should have desire, and determination.Some think that they are doing their best but success doesn't come they blame their luck but its not like that.We should not loose our strength and hope..Well thanks for tips which are really helpful.
"Am I casually looking into the television of business while eating the bonbons of laziness thinking "my, it sure would be nice to be successful"
Totally true dude. I think I need to stay more focused and prove to myself how badly I want this. Cheers Jon.
Dan