Getting Out of Our Own Way
/Weight Loss Fluctuations (2.242025 to 3.2.2025)
It is a truism that nearly everyone will eventually realize that, although it's easier to shake our metaphorical fists at the sky, hurling invectives at all the unseen forces keeping us from being the successful person that we surely were destined to be, we're held back primarily by ourselves. In other words, we would serve ourselves better by getting out of our own way.
Being our own worst enemy can be in various aspects of our lives. Recently, it has been the case that, while I have every tool and advantage possible to be my best self, I more often than not kick that 'best self' thing down the road. At the start of next week, after the XYZ event is over, after I finish our taxes, or when I stop perseverating on issues beyond my control and get the cobwebs out of my head—I'll do what needs doing so that I'll be a 10 out of 10 version of myself. Heck, I might be able to turn it up to 11! That's when I'll make the most of my mind, body, and spiritual self. I'll create more, read more, and return to the resistance training that has previously served me so well. I'll be more centered and balanced. Yes! I will! Every morning dawns anew, full of potential and pure intentions. Today will be the day!
I'll come running here when that day happens and let you know about it. Harrumph.
Yes, there are many distractions, diversions, and detours along the path to being me and getting where I genuinely want to be. Why do we veer off course even when enthusiastic about the destination? Why, when we know to our bones that we don't need to buy more kitchen gadgets when the ones we already own fill up our cabinets and our credit card limits, do we order a contraption that scrambles a raw egg while it's still in the shell (really, there are such things!), Then the thing sits on our countertop, staring at us tauntingly as if to say, "Ha! Gotcha again, sucker!" Why? Why?
Maybe your nemesis is food. Laying off the carbs (and the excuses) takes practice. And time. And being self-aware. That last one is the most challenging. Knowing ourselves and also being honest with ourselves is tough. After all, who wants to lay the consequences of our actions at our own feet rather than somewhere else—anywhere else?
But it is our gift—and our curse—as sentient creatures that we can take a mental step back, analyze what we want for ourselves, and plan how to get there. We also have the power to follow that plan. Sometimes we'll 'strumble' (a Go Keto with Casey portmanteau of the words struggle and stumble), sometimes we'll have legitimate obstacles to keeping on keeping on, head down and moving forward. But most of the time, we throw up roadblocks for ourselves.
The only thing I know to do for myself, how to get (mostly) out of my own way, is to strive for incremental improvements. I've created a habit tracker spreadsheet full of cells that change colors, and I complete this task, that routine, this improvement, that lazy tendency avoided. There have been a handful of days when I could tick off all the boxes, the color changing from dull gray to neon green. A handful of days … out of a few years. Forward movement has become more important than kidding myself into believing I've reached that 10 of 10 rating, let alone 11.
Many days I give myself credit if I did that thing that paves the way for all the other things: Staying out of my own way.
Writing these weekly posts is a small part of staying on the path to feeling good and fulfilled about myself. Time spent actively grateful for the tools and advantages noted above is another. Striving to keep my aging body as strong as possible, being more patient with those around me, and tending to our gardens and chickens are all factors in moving me forward. And every day, I work on dodging those impish roadblocks that can derail the most resolute of us. Most days, I can, even if I can't tick all the boxes.
Being an 8 out of 10, I'll take it. And I'll keep on keeping on.
A recent Youtube video from my channel.
Disclaimer: I’m not a medical doctor, researcher, or Ph.D., but instead, I’ve been fortunate to have had the time and resources to research the ketogenic diet, also known as LCHF (low carb/high fat). The information I share is based solely on my understanding of that research. We are all responsible for our own choices, including what we put in our mouths, and there’s no substitute for each of us checking things out ourselves. And I’m not a medical professional in any way. Go Keto With Casey is not a medical site. “Duh,” you might say. But best to make it clear to all. I welcome questions, comments, and even civil criticism. I’m still learning. So, if you have something to add, go for it. Links in this post and all others may direct you to affiliate links, where I will receive a small amount of the purchase price of any items you buy through those links. Thanks!
