Back in the 1980s I competed in two local bodybuilding contests. I didn't win either one, but both were successes for me because I was able to make the commitment to compete and show up on stage in my very best shape.
During my pre-competition fat-stripping phase (or "diet," though I don't like that word) it was not at all difficult to stick to my plan. There were plenty of days when I felt hungry, but I wasn't tempted to eat anything I shouldn't be eating. I remember going to several birthday parties at work and turning down pieces of cake. Some of my friends found that astonishing, but I honestly didn't want the cake.
But I do love food, and at other times in my life, I've eaten pretty much what I wanted and paid the consequences in fat that had to be burned off later.
What was the difference?
Commitment.
It was super-easy for me to pass up cake while preparing for a bodybuilding contest because I had a deadline. I knew I was going to step on that stage on a certain day, and it was unacceptable to me to either drop out of the competition or show up on stage in less than my best condition.
I'd made a total commitment to myself.
It wasn't about vowing to beat any other woman on that stage–it was 100 percent about honoring my commitment to myself.
Those contests were a long time ago, and it's doubtful that I'll ever compete on stage again. I certainly won't compete in women's bodybuilding, which has sold its soul to the steroid demons. "Figure" competition is a possibility, but I simply don't feel the desire to compete. At least not this year. Who knows?
This fall I've made a new commitment and am taking part in Tom Venuto's Holiday Challenge. The object, in a nutshell, is to improve one's fitness, health, and appearance by losing fat and getting stronger over the holidays rather than porking out and getting fatter.
I don't expect to "win"–but making the commitment has dramatically increased my motivation.
