Success is ...... ?

success  (səkˈsɛs)
— n
1.	the favourable outcome of something attempted
2.	the attainment of wealth, fame, etc
3.	an action, performance, etc, that is characterized by success
4.	a person or thing that is successful

I love the first meaning given on dictionary.com for the word success. It's something many of the men and women at my Weight Watcher's meetings strive for, on most days, and in most weigh ins.

Success it seems holds a very different meaning for many people.

I've witnessed a lot of my members recently, outwardly feeling let down and expressing disappointment in their weekly achievements.

Statements passing the lips like "I so don't deserve this", "I tried so hard this week, I thought it would be more" "Oh I'm just disappointed it's not more"

I love that my members feel comfortable and safe to share their frustration. But I wish so very much that there was a way to help these lovely people see that every little step forward in the right direction, is a step closer to their ultimate goals.


Every 100 grams loss that has followed a week of following the program isn't a reward for "good behaviour" but the bodies way of releasing energy that is superfluous, and is thanking you for creating a more hospitable environment to function in.

Every 100 grams loss following a week on the program, is a 100 grams closer to making solid habits that will see you through a happy, healthy, LONG and vital lifetime.

5 weeks of 100 gram losses is a whole block of butter!

I currently believe that successes are overshadowed by high expectations, perhaps set so high to save ourselves from facing up to the fact that we may actually achieve something so great and so wonderful as being at a healthy bmi; in a place where we will have to be accountable for what goes in our mouths, and whether we get butt off couch for 30 minutes to get the exercise our body so craves....

Okay, it's becoming clearer now....if we only see the dark side and what we haven't achieved, we'll never ever get to goal....we wont have success, I guess that makes it easier to justify the chocolate cake huh!

And means we wont ever truly fail either, because we've never REALLY let ourselves try.

But being in a constant state of "fat person" limbo isn't right either is it....

So what is success???

To me success is just as the first explanation describes it: The favourable outcome, of something attempted.

It's favourable to me that I live a long, healthy and vital life.

It's favourable to my bank account to not have to replace my wardrobe because I've busted out of my pants.

It's favourable to me that I can go for a run in the park with my children, and not "Mummy is just going to watch, you guys go ahead"

Success for me is being true to myself, no games, no pretense....

Success is getting on the scales and gaining 200 grams, knowing that I did the best I could for me during the week, making healthy decisions that will impact on my long term future.

Success is drinking a bottle of water on a cold and dreary day, because it helps keep my body running efficiently.

and ....

Failure......can only happen, when we stop trying!


Ali xo