Your Actions Create Your Life!

Share      on Yahoo!

By: Nancy Howard : 5/23/2009 9:31:29 AM : 120 comments

When I started on this journey over 4 years ago, my main motivator was to reclaim my health and get back into so-called ‘normal’ sized clothing. But there was something about this time that was so different from all my other past attempts—I am too not sure if it was my internal clock to get healthy ticking ever so loudly OR if I had reached my breaking point where I just needed to finally gain control over my life.

So many times in the past, I allowed myself to become a bystander in this journey we call life. I would lackadaisically go through the motions, but never felt the need to permanently change. I often wondered why this time was so different. There is one little word that seemed to make sense and that word is ACTION!

Action, you may be asking yourself? Yep, action it is! This time I decided I would longer let life pass me by. I was going to take action in every thing that I did in my life. If that meant tracking every food item I consumed, whether I strayed or not, I did just that. If that meant drinking my 8 glasses of water every day, I did just that. If that meant searching until I found my exercise passion, I did just that. If that meant coming to the boards and looking for advice, support, and encouragement, I did just that.

By taking action we are taking control of our lives. No one else is driving the car. We are the driver! SparkPeople tools are the ideal means to helping us take action toward our goals. They help us not just to lose weight and get fit; they are the tools to help us transform our lives.

It seems like such an easy thing to do, but there have been times I have been paralyzed by frustration, fear, and plain ol’ tiredness of putting in all the hard work and not getting the results I wanted or expected. But since there are some aspects on this journey that I could never control, the scale being one of them, I did take control over those areas that I could and this was all done via that one tiny word--ACTION.

I hope you will find the action in your life to get you to your own goals. This is truly an area in which we can control. We can’t allow ourselves to become paralyzed. We must allow ourselves to keep working hard each and every day knowing that ACTIONS BRING RESULTS.

What actions do you take to get the results you want? Do you get frustrated by your inaction at times? How have SparkPeople tools helped you achieve your goals?




Click here to to redeem your SparkPoints
  You will earn 3 SparkPoints

Share      on Yahoo!

Login to Save

NEXT ENTRY >   Weekly Link Roundup: A Healthy, Happy Start to Summer

Comments (Scroll to end to leave a comment)

CAROLINAGIRL377
2/5/2010
12:59:13 PM

 what a great message! Actions speak louder than words!!! I was the same way, I have always been overweight, or the heaviest one in the circle of friends. but something this past year changed in me and my new passion is exercising. If I don't get some type of exercise in for the day.....I feel terrible. Through the years I have tried Weight Watchers so many times, I would have results but only to a certain point. I would get discouraged and quit and go back to my old ways. Not now........I am new to Spark and I am finding that I love it more and more everyday!!!
120
MANAL.HOUSSINI
2/5/2010
5:50:27 AM

 i love sparkpeople

through it i was so motivated to loss weight and be more toned and fit ,through tracking food and workouts ,and the most important thing was the help and advices i got from the coaches,and other members,i used to exercise but some times in a wrong way without realizing ,or i have many questions without clear answers .
119
KARENCHRISTINA
11/23/2009
9:34:29 AM

 I love it! Thank you... the word that moved me was "participate" I also often think of the saying that goes something like "showing up is 99% of life the rest will follow"
118
IRENEHARPS
8/26/2009
10:14:12 PM

 I take ACTION by taking responsibility for MY actions. If I overeat or under exercise.....I don't find someone else to blame it on. I know who's in control of MY life and I wouldn't want it any other way!
117
WORKINGSTIFF
8/24/2009
8:30:54 PM

 For the longest time I resisted keeping track of my food intake. It was such a hassle! Now SP practically does the work for me. From telling me how many calories I need in order to lose, as well as such a huge list of foods, the guesswork is almost gone. My coworker and I are encouraging each other to keep track.

I had a teacher long ago who would always say, "Actions speak louder than words." So true. Action begets action. I think once you start the momentum going, it moves into all aspects of your life.
116
WINGSOFCHANGE
8/6/2009
9:59:18 AM

 I feel like this blog was written for me. I'm new to Spark and so glad I joined. Wolfkitty suggested that I write down some goals. So this morning I took her advice and did just that. For now they are on paper, I will add them to my SparkPage later. I'm really ready to do this. Action creates change!
115
BELLAPOCOMO
7/31/2009
11:35:58 AM

 SP has saved me in ways I didn't think possible!
114
NESS316
6/21/2009
9:38:02 AM

 I've dieted through high school and beyond,and it just seems like this time it feels like I'm ready and actually serious. I'm at my heaviest weight and i feel as if it's holding me back. I need a workout buddy or gym buddy because my current exercise buddy always just wants to talk and workout but its just too distracting and i tell her that and she still talks ugh. i guess all i really have is myself
113
CRAZYFEET
6/10/2009
2:09:59 PM

 Thinking about plowing a field does not get the field plowed. I love this saying. I am trying to make this a part of my life.
112
BRIAN36
5/28/2009
5:13:27 PM

 I have learned to quit "wishing" I could do something. When I catch myself saying that, I try to stop and determine if it's something I really want and think I am incapable of or is it just a whim. If it's something I really want, I find a way to make it happen. Case in point, I am 41 years old and just signed up to take beginner swimming lessons. I've always wanted to be able to swim, but was too afraid. I know that my fear is irrational and I'm going to face it. And just to make sure I don't wimp out, I signed up to do a triathalon in September that will require me to swim 750 meters. I don't care if it takes me all day to do that leg of the race, but by God I'll be out there trying.

Its hard to not seize the day when you see so many people achieving such great goals here on spark.
111
SEXYJWANABE
5/28/2009
3:54:09 PM

 This is why I love SP! Weight loss is not an easy thing to do long term. It involves life long decisions. Plus, as we all know, there are so many other things that go along with our actions and SP also goes on to tell us the possibilities both positive and negative that can be consequences of th e"ACTIONS" we choose!
I too really enjoyed this blog! It is right on!
110
ZAABABY
5/28/2009
11:49:33 AM

 This is not the first time I have tried to lose weight. This is not the first time I have been successful at it. But this is the first time for me that it feels different. I also feel this take charge attitude, the I won't give up thoughts, and the reaching out for support. I am astounded at the many weight loss blogs there are on the net. I will always be thankful for the day I clicked a random link and found this site. I am already encouraged beyond belief in the few days I've been here. Thank you for this post. It makes my journey so much easier, knowing I am not alone.
109
CRJOHNS8887
5/28/2009
7:32:46 AM

 Thank you for the inspiring words this morning! It sure makes me feel good to be a part of a community with the same interests, problems, and goals that I have for myself. I wish I were as far along as many of you are already, but I am confident that my day will come. I am becoming a stronger, more confident person. Peace.
108
RIDGESCRAMBLER
5/28/2009
7:06:04 AM

 I am new here but the nutrition and fitness trackers keep me honest with myself and what I am doing. The goal tracker will allow me to celebrate my successes and stay motivated - great article/blog - our action or inaction do create our lives! Have a super Day!!
107
CONNIEK1960
5/27/2009
4:35:06 PM

 Thanks for the encouraging piece.
The nutrition tracker has helped me on the road achieving my goal.
I am so thankful to my friend for hooking me up to this site.
I get so much out of this site. It has something for everyone.
106
CHELLELEIGH
5/27/2009
12:50:37 PM

 When I first started using this website again in August '08 I knew I had to make the changes that I couldn't make myself make before. Before I started spark again I would tell my self that I can't control what I eat b/c I love food to much, but now I can control what I eat and I still love food just not always the same stuff. I found out that greasy food makes me want to get sick now and I only crave it occassionally. I will give in to my temptations every once in a while, but I try not to go overboard. Once I started seeing results from eating healthier I thought man I bet I"ll get even better results if I work out too. I'm currently down 45lbs and still have 15 to go to make my target weight loss and it's been hard, but it's been worth gaining control of my life again!
105
BETTYCAKES
5/27/2009
11:03:03 AM

 Thoughts become words
Words become actions
Actions become our destiny.

Think positive!
104
MAGNOLIAMAG
5/27/2009
9:09:02 AM

 definitely action AND additude. i have been using this site since march and it has completely changed my way of thinking - i am finally in control of food! i've only lost a little so far but i know that with the modivation of articles like these and everyone else here, we can all succeed!!
103
DOREMI1
5/26/2009
4:36:04 PM

 Going on 3 weeks with sparking up my life. The energy I feel each day is amazing. Most especially the positive support from all of you. My dear friend from High school and I are sparking together and truly find the site so helpful. Action I believe was the inspiration for this blog and it remains true for this 46 year old mama of 2 teens! Action to take care of the temple God gave me.
102
WOLFKITTY
5/26/2009
3:27:32 PM

 I absolutely agree. My friends complain that they could never lose weight because their eating is beyond their control and they "just can't help it". There is nothing in our lives that is MORE under our control than what we choose to eat and how we choose to move (or not move). It is the combination of these choices, action and inaction that determine what actually "happens" to us.
101
SANDRA1066
5/26/2009
2:25:18 PM

 I've been here just a few weeks, and right now, I'm just trying to figure out a plan! LOL But the biggest thing I've found is just being able to blog or post - vent and share - to and with people who have been there and done that or are there right now. and even if I don't lose a pound (only joking about that, God)...the people here are AWESOME! Thanks everyone! PS: Those silly little spark points do motivate me to do stuff and log my exercise! Something so minor as spinning the wheel of pointage! is a little something special in a ho-hum day
100
LADYNLI
5/26/2009
2:05:26 PM

 I have found so much help and information here at SparkPeople and now your blog puts everything into perspective. I have never seen it worded like this, but I love it. This is something I can do..
99
JANISTROTMAN
5/26/2009
1:18:49 PM

 This blog has renew my purpose and movitation to do everything with vitality.
98
ROADTOFREEDOM
5/26/2009
11:29:31 AM

 I feel stuck ... Stuck in low-energy negative emotions. My head knows that motivation will follow action. Life is passing me by. I'm comforting myself with food. I know all this *stuff* and I just can't seem to get myself together.

Step 1 ... Wash and get some clothes on.
Step 2 ... Head for the park with my camera.
Step 3 ... Well, I'll take it from there.

Marie
97
NICOLETTEDIMON
5/26/2009
10:49:58 AM

 Great blog full of encouragement for any who are 'stuck' or at a plateau. Sometimes it's hard to find something to capture your attention and add a little variety to either a workout or to keep eating from becoming so overly monotonous. I have countless times found myself taking a day break which ends up leading to months breaks. However, this is my lifestyle now and am enjoying the "drive". I have created challenges to take on besides my normal workout routines. I love to cook and have created [healthier] alternatives to some of my faves. I had taken (Spark) buddies with me to classes now (which I would've never done). And, I've taken my workouts outside the home and outside the gym to literally outside and am enjoying this variety. Thanks for the encouragement - keep up the good work!
96
PAULAANNDOM
5/26/2009
10:20:25 AM

 wow-thanks for sharing this. I never thought of myself as the driver in my own life. I need to get up and out of the house myself and exercise. Hard to get motivated though.
95
JAMCAM
5/26/2009
10:09:21 AM

 Thank you for sharing this. Its given me renewed hope and purpose. Good luck to you!!!!!!!!!!
94
PRAIRIEDAWNPAM
5/26/2009
10:00:03 AM

 I could have been the author of this blog. Nancy Howard struck a chord with me, especially when she wrote, “…there have been times I have been paralyzed by frustration, fear, and plain ol’ tiredness of putting in all the hard work and not getting the results I wanted or expected.” These have been my excuses for planning myself into a corner but not taking the action to make progress. I’m a really good planner but I’m not consistent at action until I commit to a goal and put a deadline on it. What does it take for me to commit to seeing a goal through to success?

- Belief – If I do not believe I am capable of it, I won’t attempt it. I am not a ground breaker. I need to see proof that others like me – real people -- have achieved similar goals. Spark People Motivators provide my inspiration to keep making and achieving new weight loss and fitness goals.
- Purpose – It doesn’t take much, but I must be able to justify time and energy spent on myself rather than at work or on housework. My goal must contribute something to the greater good, to my family and not just to me. I suppose that is why I choose fitness goals that keep me close to home and doing things that other family members enjoy.
- Shame – I tell others when I set a goal. Honestly, if I kept them secret I probably wouldn’t achieve them. I need Spark Friends, friends, co-workers and family checking in on me to see what I am doing to achieve my goals. I work my hardest when I am trying to meet others' expectations of me. Being a Spark Team Leader, Community Member and Motivator help to keep me real, honest and active with my goals.

Sometimes I am overwhelmed with the size of a goal. Since being part of Spark People, I've learned to break each one up into bite-sized pieces and take small actions, knowing each one adds up to progress. This skill transfers to so many other parts of my life that I know I've become an all round better goal setter and action taker thanks to this community.

...Pam
93
SSORDI1
5/26/2009
9:46:01 AM

 I feel Spark People has helped me put my goals into action! Had I not found this site I do not think I would still be on track! Tracking my food and water and the calorie counter has been a real help to me!


I have been away alot in the last three weeks and stayed on target--I do believe your head and your heart have to be in the right place to do this-but it can be done!

And we all must KEEP ON KEEPING ON!
92
AHHGEE
5/26/2009
9:20:30 AM

 "Do not be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment."
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
91
ALOHASUE
5/26/2009
8:22:11 AM

 Thanks for the motivation to take action. I am still looking for that something that will make me stay motivated. I know what I have to do, but still will find every excuse not to. Thanks for the pep talk!
90
ROYALETBONE
5/26/2009
12:12:08 AM

 Nice. Thank you!
89
JSCHARF
5/25/2009
11:33:24 PM

 This blog could not have come at a better time. Thanks for the encouraging words Nancy.
88
AHHGEE
5/25/2009
5:25:26 PM

 I have thought about this blog for the entire weekend - the way it spoke to, and touched my heart just makes me want to cry - in a good way.
Thank you again and again!
87
SEONAG
5/25/2009
4:57:52 PM

 I remember someone telling me that exercise is as simple as doing the following-"Right leg, Left leg". And it is. Just beginning is the hardest part. I forget that sometimes. I say, "I don't have time to go to the walking track." I forget that I could just run out to the yard and pick up some garbage. If I use energy for ten minutes, it's something. I have found that, if I take time to think about doing things, I often don't bother; but, if I just let myself move a little, I begin. Good article! Action is what is important, moreso than what you believe or want or anything else. Just begin!
86
PRENDERGASTM
5/25/2009
4:07:57 PM

 Thank you for sharing this
85
JUSTCHECKING1
5/25/2009
1:43:09 PM

 Sometimes it's just saying no to someone who want you to par-take in bad habits! Here at SP I can post and not be judged by anyone. I can say thing that I can't to others in person. Not to mention the support I get from my fellow sparkers . I have gotten so much insight and help from others who have posted . I don't feel so alone in my journey. Even if I fall down. I keep getting back up again. One of these times I'll get it right! :( - :)
84
SEADANCER
5/25/2009
11:35:36 AM

 Supportive piece! I also found The Four Agreements supportive, as another commentor mentioned.
83
SPARKLINGDREAMS
5/25/2009
10:19:11 AM

 Thank you for sharing this. Reading "The Four Agreements" and some other books by Don Miguel Ruiz has been inspiring and enlightening as to what you are referring here.
82
DDOORN
5/25/2009
8:43:47 AM

 I have said this very thing over and over both to myself and my clients: "By taking action we are taking control of our lives. No one else is driving the car. We are the driver!"

Yes yes YES! Powerful, potent, personal magic, Coach Nancy! :-)

Don, Co-Leader of All Health Professionals and Laid Off But Staying Strong SparkTeams
81
BBEE62
5/25/2009
8:02:10 AM

 Nancy, another great article. Now that I have reached "maintenance", I am finding MORE frustration than when I was on the journey to my goal. In terms of exercise I have been able to stay with my plan as I recently completed my first 5k race and I am now training for a 10k race but in regards to the food part of my plan, I have found myself stuck and just not willing to take the time to use the "nutrition tracker" which is frustrating to me since that is the tool that helped me the most when I was working towards my weight loss goal. And I am not sure really why I am so unwilling to take the ACTION needed with the nutrition tracker. Still working on that. Thanks as always for your inspiration and encouragement on the journey of HEALTH.
80
TMSPENCER43
5/25/2009
7:00:27 AM

 Thank you It was just what I needed to hear. It has helped me to day deal with my own frustration and fear. And not being able to contral the SCALES.
79
KAREN214
5/25/2009
6:12:08 AM

 I know what you are saying cause it is work but we do control are pown course in life. I do at times let anger and fatique pull me away. I am going to continue reaching and let my emotions not let me stray.
78
KARENPLEW
5/25/2009
5:49:10 AM

 Yes, action is HUGE. This statement rings so true: “Action” brings potential to life.
77
WENDI_WA1
5/25/2009
3:34:39 AM

 I find that the trackers and support are so very helpful in keeping me motivated and on track. We gather once a month for a walk as a sparkteam group and I would hate to not look the same or better. The whole site is so helpful, it's hard to do this healthy change alone.
76
LLCURTS
5/25/2009
12:35:17 AM

 SP has helped me tremendously - the food tracker and exercise tracker esp - I can track my progress. Yes it is my own fault when I miss it...
75
CONSTANTYOYO
5/25/2009
12:00:30 AM

 Well done!
74
MUMMYLICIOUS
5/24/2009
11:58:03 PM

 WOW, I said the exact same thing about ACTION twice today! It's all me! There are no reasons why I cannot. There is no else to blame why I did not! It's about a choice .. one simple choice ... to choose action. I can have all the motivation in the universe but if I do not choose action, I end up no further than where I began! Thanks for posting this!
73
ABIGAILSING
5/24/2009
10:38:58 PM

 What actions do you take to get the results you want? Making myself exercise when I would rather sit and do nothing. Keeping track of the calories, even when I know I have gone way beyond the desired limit. Deciding today to find a way to quit the sweets.

Do you get frustrated by your inaction at times? Yes.

How have SparkPeople tools helped you achieve your goals? They help motivate me, give me the support I need--there is always someone available to encourage on a hard day or celebrate a victory, and encourage growth in the area of healthy living.
72
SHERRYMILLIGAN
5/24/2009
10:28:25 PM

 So true. We just need to keep taking that step, to keep trying, to do SOMETHING. Never give up. Spark People is an "action" I do for myself -- reading articles, tracking my progress, learning new things about fitness and nutrition. It's part of what I'm doing to ACT.
71

  See More Comments

Please Log In To Leave A Comment:    Not a member? Register now!

Username:   Password: LOGIN