A Watched Pot Doesn't Boil

Have you ever heard that saying? And how ridiculous yet true it is. When we want something really badly, we have a hard time focusing on anything else but that one thing. But the more we focus on that thing, the longer it takes for it to happen.

Is that true or is it just a figment of our imagination?

I think there is a real side to this and a psychological side. Lets use as an example, weight-loss, of course.

People are often very caught up in their strong will to lose weight. If only they could lose those extra pounds (or kgs), then they would be so much happier.

But if, when making lifestyle changes, one focuses too much on the weight-loss aspect of their changes, there are extremely serious and negative drawbacks to this.

Weight-loss happens slowly. When you focus on something intensely, when it is something that happens slowly, it is extremely, extremely aggravating! So, the second hand on the clock looks like it is ticking so slowly, it almost looks as if it's going backwards!

Now, if the only reason the person is changing their lifestyle is in order to lose weight, and they don't see quick changes, then they lose the motivation to continue with the changes and then, the second hand will, in fact, start moving backwards. Because the person is no longer sticking with the changes.

Now that Deena has written a whole megilla, what is she trying to say?

Stop watching the pot.

1. Make a list of reasons you want to be eating better and exercising. Weight loss should only be 1 of many reasons.

2. Also, try to make those two changes as enjoyable as possible.

3. Keep living and work on loving yourself as you are because you are still going to be the same person once you lose the excess inches, please G-d!

Changing your perspective is a tough thing to do but if you look at weight loss as a nice extra that will happen from living a healthy life, then you have a chance of succeeding and keeping the weight off.