Friday, August 24, 2012

Weight Loss Wednesday on Friday? Why Not? Culture Trumps Strategy

I am posting a few days late this week because my wife and kids, who were visiting Florida, returned home on Wednesday. As much as I enjoy blogging, and find catharsis in putting my words in this format, I value time spent with my family more. I hope you will all understand that sentiment, and that is why I am posting a few days late.

I attended an event sponsored by ALPFA's Northwest Arkansas Chapter last night. The speaker was telling us about her story and philosophy on business, leadership and the lessons that she has learned in a lifetime of working in corporate America. One of the quotes she asked us to think about was "Culture trumps strategy. Every Time." This was not the first time I have heard this quote, but it resonated last night. And not just in the business and professional world... I instantly thought that it applies to losing weight...
Photo courtesy of http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

Of course the speaker was talking about the different organizations that she has worked for. She taught us that her personal goal, or mission was to help people. Until she found an organization that shared her values, she felt she was always fighting against the system.

Have you ever tried one of the diets that circulate the internet, around the office or with your friends? It seems that these diets occasionally grow legs and make their way around a group of people. I have been on the HCG diet a couple of times. I have had good results, but it always feels like I am fighting against the constraining rules of the diet. I think that is the very nature of a "diet." It never feels like anything more than a temporarily painful change to bring on fast results. They are rarely natural and rewarding.

If you truly want to change your weight, body or self image, you must change the culture surrounding you. You must change your life itself. A great diet and exercise program are a perfect strategy to lose weight. It won't work until you buy in and change your habits to match that strategy, or find a strategy that aligns with your personal and family culture.

As I say each week, I look forward to hearing from each of you. Send me an email, chimtot@gmail.com, and tell me about your week, good or bad. Send me a topic you'd like to see me talk about in a blog post sometime. If you want to write a blog post, I'd love to have an occasional guest post from one of you! This blog will be a lot more fun to read if you all get involved!



1 comment:

  1. I never tried hcg diet for the weight reduction.
    I heard it is a good diet to lose the extra body weight.
    I always use raw vegetarian diet for the weight loss and fitness improvement specially fresh fruits and green vegetables diet.


    Rutherford kickboxing

    ReplyDelete