This post is an update and revision of one written in 2016.
Back in 2016, I read a book called “Living Forward: by Michael Hyatt and Daniel Harkavy, and I quite enjoyed it it, despite the fact that it was quite challenging at the time.
It’s an ideal book to read if you feel as though you have been drifting through life and need help to reach your goals, or to set new ones. At the time I had purpose, but it pays to stop and check every now and then and have a “reset”.
The first step of course is to realize where you are at present, and then set out a plan to move from there. You can’t get far without a starting point!
A couple of years before I wrote the original article, I had had quite a severe shake up when I landed in the emergency department at the local hospital.
My blood pressure was up in the clouds, and I was suffering other problems as well.
I stood on the scales and the nurse just shook her head and said “not good, not good at all”. Of course, I already knew that it wasn’t good – I was the one standing in a hospital gown wondering where do we go from here.
Two Weight Loss Secrets!
This was the point we’re I really knew where I stood health wise. I had recently had a doctor tell me that I was pre-diabetic, and that I would be on medication for diabetes sooner rather than later.
Of course, I knew where I had to go from there, and from that night a new plan evolved, and has continued to this day.
Over the next few years, I lost around 44 pounds. While I promised myself that I would keep going, I have to admit that over the years there have been some literal ups and downs.
Losing weight came down to two main separate, but related factors.
Eat Less, Move More!
Of course, there are other factors as well, including the type of food consumed, how often it’s eaten, and at what time of the night or day, but these two are the starting point!
I cut out almost all added sugar, slashed bread consumption by two thirds, and switched to black coffee (a cappuccino or flat white is equivalent to a small meal.
Another simple change I made was to always eat the protein portion of my meals first, as protein tends to fill a person faster than carbohydrates.
As well as losing the weight, I went down a couple of trouser sizes, my cholesterol levels were perfect, and my blood sugar levels were right back down.
For years I’d used the excuse that I had glandular trouble (and I have – I had to have my thyroid gland removed 24 years ago). But the main glandular trouble that I’d experienced was the reaction of my taste buds…
That’s my story, and I’ve included it in my post as an inspiration for anyone else who has landed in a similar predicament. Please note though that you should see your health professional before embarking on any drastic changes. This post is in no way intended to pass as professional advice!
What does this all have to do with Living Forward?
A lot, you see, I didn’t get to be overweight overnight. I’d been enjoying a few more beers than I should’ve, hadn’t been exercising, and had been eating too much, too often.
In short, I’d been drifting!
So the book “Living Forward” was a confirmation for me that as far as my health was concerned, I’ve gotten back on the right track.
And the book is also an encouragement to set new plans in other areas as well, including work, and relationships.
Setting goals, and living with purpose have brought new hope to me, and I’m now enjoying the journey a lot more!
Is setting new goals enough though?
It’s one thing to talk about our food intake, but what about other parts of our lives? How does our social circle react to changes in our lifestyle? Do other people influence the way we think? How are we going spiritually?
I feel that part of my problem back then was that I compartmentalized my life. It’s no use going on a diet if you insist on drinking pints of beer on a regular basis. Over the intervening years, I’ve begun reading my Bible more, getting through the old and new testaments at least once a year.
Then I started transcribing the Bible, which entails reading it, and remembering it, as I write it. This in turn has had a remarkable impact on my thinking.
Along with those changes, I also began building new friendships. I didn’t ditch old friends, they’re still there, but as my focus and interests changed, I met new people, and I found that my life began to balance out there as well.
After I began reading the Bible anew, I found my way to a new church, met more friends, and things improved again. While there have been the same ups and downs that happen in all our lives, with job changes and coping with loss, I have changed, and the changes have been commented on by others.
That’s good, but what have you done otherwise?
I became involved in a men’s group in the local church, and built relationships that enabled me to help others. What happened as well as that was that when I needed help and support, they were there for me.
Not to have a beer and console me, but to actively encourage, support and pray for me at times when I was really up against it.
What we did together was plan and hold a men’s summit, that featured a local doctor, senior pastor and guest speaker, Gary Blackford. The summit was intended to minister to men in spirit, soul, and body.
I’ve been involved in ministry to men since the early 1980s, and returning to it now has brought a sense of deeper fulfillment as well.
Spirit, soul and body?
I said something earlier about compartmentalizing my life. In focusing solely on the physical aspect of my life, I was headed for another disaster, and one that could have had an eternal effect.
You see, the years that I spoke about during the middle of the last decade were years of compromise for me, and I had to change, and that without the Lord Jesus Christ, there can be no meaningful change.
Published by Baker, “Living Forward” is available from Amazon and all good book stores!