Scared of failure....

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Posts: 1,320
12/11/12 7:58 A

Don't look at fitness as losing weight. Try to look at it as getting stronger and healthier. I attempted Jillian Micheal's 30 day shred 3 months ago and failed miserably. I was so sore, I couldn't fully extend my arms for 4 days. But I vowed to myself to get stronger and try it again in 3 months, I did plenty of strength training to prepare. Now I'm on day 5 and doing great this time. I was only sore my first day for about 24 hours. I'm not looking at it as how much weight I'll lose from doing it but a test of strength and endurance. If I lose "extra" weight from it (and the other 55 minute Jillian Micheal's video I just started) then that's just a bonus. I attribute most of my weight loss to my diet.

What's helped to keep motivated throughout my Spark's journey is to have many different ways to measure my progress aside from the scale. That way, if the scale isn't being my friend, some other test of health is. Like a lower resting heart rate, losing inches off my waist, having to increase the intensity of my workout, more energy, less stress, being able to complete a fitness video with more strength and power than when I started, checking out my *new* muscles in the mirror, etc.

It isn't failure when you don't lose weight from your efforts, it's always a success because you're making that effort.

Edited by: JENNILACEY at: 12/11/2012 (07:59)

current weight: 111.8

163 148.5 134 119.5

105

Posts: 10
12/11/12 7:06 A

I have weak ankles, depression and a son of 4, and I felt exactly the same. I was afraid of failure, I was afraid of doing so much and seeing so few results.
But I think I would much rather be doing something, anything, than not doing it out of fear of failing. Because without trying, we are failing anyway.
I'm on Day 2 of Insanity, my son is in school and this is when I get to work out.
If getting into shape is important to you, you will find a way to do it, not an excuse to not do it.
Some people are so dedicated, they work two jobs, have kids and a family, and don't get to work out till midnight. But they do it, because that's how important it is to them.

I didn't see results for SIX MONTHS. Granted, I was only working out two days a week, my weight didn't shift a single pound (I have PCOS too which doesn't help matters); but after 6 months it all started happening. I lost 21 lbs, 10 inches around the waist and a few other inches here and there around the body etc.
Even if you don't see physical results immediately, the benefits to your other health issues will be bountiful.
I was diagnosed with depression and bipolar back in 2008. I'm unmedicated because regular exercise has completely changed me. I no longer get depressed, I don't have anxiety or panic attacks, little things no longer get me down, I don't get wound up about things. I'm a completely different person.

Also 60 days of Insanity is a pretty long commitment. And the end might seem far away. Just take it a week at a time, if you can.
I promise you, you can do this. Don't let your fear hold you back.

Edited by: LULZAROONIE at: 12/11/2012 (07:08)

Pounds lost: 53.0

0 52.75 105.5 158.25

211

Posts: 3
12/11/12 2:59 A

My advice to you, like all the others: set little goals and achieve them. Your plate is full with a 3 year old not to mention a job and school work. If I were you, I would set some attainable goals like:
1. drink 8+ glasses of water a day--This really works, especially if you go over. (I try for 3 liters a day.
2. don't be a slave to the scale--Do your clothes fit better or looser? Are you feeling better? You are successful! (Exercise helps my depression...but then again, I'm not medicated)
3. do a 10 minute Spark Video a day (5-6 days a week) If you do two--well, WOW!
4. don't weigh yourself daily, weekly, try monthly (and chose your day carefully not to coincide with your menses)

If you want to do insanity, do it during school breaks, but health for your child, energy for work and school might be better reasons to work out on a regular basis. I think the weight will slowly melt away if you make some small changes. Remember you are beautiful inside. Oh yeah, get your child involved with your exercise. Play with him/her--that is real aerobic exercise! At three they make good weights for leg lifts. Play airplane! My five year old still wants to do it, but I can't do as many reps now.

current weight: 167.0

183 174 165 156

147

Posts: 2,199
12/11/12 12:04 A

Exercise to get fit, not to lose weight.
Eat well to keep healthy, not lose weight.
No failure.

If you do lose weight. great bonus.

SparkPoints: (28,033)
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Posts: 2,746
12/10/12 8:57 P

I agree with the previous posters. The first thing I though when I read your post (before reading the other responses) was, "She's setting herself up for failure."

You need start a program that will work for you EVEN AFTER school starts up again. By starting one that will probably not work for you after a few weeks, you are building failure into your plans.

Think about that.

Then develop a plan that will suit your lifestyle on your AVERAGE day -- not just on the days you are on break. That way, you will be able to keep it up for the long term.

current weight: 152.8

203 186 169 152

135

SparkPoints: (112,949)
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Posts: 17,423
12/10/12 2:28 P

MZZDEZ,

I agree with the others who've replied. You may want to consider starting your exercise routine with a regular daily walk. Put your three year old in a stroller and walk to the park or around the neighborhood. Walking is wonderful cardiovascular exercise. Don't think walking can help you lose weight ? There are members who lost 100+ pounds just by walking and watching what they ate.

I'm going to tell you something very honestly. There is no way fast to lose the weight. Insanity may say it helps get rapid results, but if you read the tiny print at the bottom of the TV screen, it says,"results not typical". So, don't assume that if you start doing Insanity and don't see rapid results that you're a failure.

That's just not true ! While a safe weekly weight loss would be 1-2 pounds per week, there may be weeks you don't lose. there may even be weeks you gain ! And that doesn't mean you're going anyth9ing wrong. This isn't the Biggest Loser. those types of dramatic losses are just not typical.

Will you fail ? You will if you continue to beat yourself up if the scale doesn't move as fast as you'd like. Weight loss really is a slow steady process that takes time. you didn't gain the weight overnight, it's not coming off overnight.

That's why you have to start with some simple changes first. no all or nothing mentality. that's not healthy either.

Every little bit does add up, so why not start with a regular daily walk ?

Posts: 51,636
12/10/12 5:57 A

Hi Dez

I agree with Zorbs. Perhaps setting a smaller goal just to get into a conisistent exercise routine would be less intimidating and easier to continue with long term. Then as you get more comfortable with it, you can increase the time and intensity of your workouts as you're able.

Coach Jen

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12/10/12 5:14 A

why not start with something more manageable, like a 10 minute/day workout streak?

9 Days until:  Niagara Falls Women''s HM

50 37 25 12

0

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12/10/12 2:27 A

So I plan on starting Insanity tomorrow, I started it a few months ago and stopped because I started working and going to college full time, I'm also a single mom of a 3 year old. I have time because of its semester break. I'm terrified of failure of trying so hard and not loosing a pound. You see I have several problems health wise. I suffer from depression and I am on anti-depressants, I have horrible weak ankles, and I don't have a gallbladder. I have so many things working against me that every time I do good with eating and exercising I don't see any results and I just give up. I wish I could change this mentality but I cant.

Any advice or encouragement. Or anyone going threw the same thing? I could really use some fitness buddies.

Dez