If there’s anything I learned becoming a Marine was perseverance is key to success. Motivation, determination, dedication; these are all important as well, but ultimately, it’s perseverance that gets you through. Short-term gratification is easy. It doesn’t take much to think of something and quickly satisfy that desire. Think of craving some chocolate that’s in a bag on your desk, or perhaps craving a soda in the refrigerator. Within moments, you can sate that desire. Long-term gratification, on the other hand, is something that takes patience. Think of completing a course, degree, or getting through boot camp. Now, I think of weight loss as the same type of goal: long-term, important, and big.
I learned through my first year of Whole30’s and Paleo that perseverance was key to getting me through. I kept my eye on the goal, which was to get into the 160 lbs range, and I made it. I ate and drank my way out of that last week, but I’m going to get back to where I’m comfortable, and I’m going to do it the way I got there the first time: with a lot of motivation, determination, patience, and perseverance. I will eat properly, I will exercise, I will manage my portions, and I will not eat any desserts or treats. I will do what I have done many times in the past to get my weight back to where I want it to be, and when I get there, I will celebrate. Again.
Perseverance isn’t easy. It takes practice. It takes a mindset of accepting that you won’t reach your goal today or perhaps even next week, but that you will eventually get there regardless of the cost or the time required. I know I won’t drop this weight immediately, but I will keep working at it until I do. I will not stop, falter, or waver.
Paleo Marine 
I’m thinking of printing this out and putting it on the wall where I am supposed to be exercising. Thanks to you I am in my second day of Whole 30. Again. Last year I was on it for 4 months (at goal weight) until I hit a wall. I just got sick of being picky about food. Fast forward to this year. Here’s the painful part: FIF.TEEN. pounds heavier <OUCH! Yes, I just admitted that!), your blog has helped me with a realization: while eating very carefully is work to maintain, freefall is not worth it! The guilt, the bloating, cravings, shameful defeat.
I’M DONE! Thanks for helping me get to Day #2. I will persevere to get back to where I have wanted to be. With the help of knowing someone out there gets this battle and is winning! Thank you!
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Thank you so much for this comment. I’m super excited for your Whole30!!! You’ve got this. You’ve done it before; you will crush it this time!!!
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It is great to be back into healthful choices. I just have to keep getting my thinking back into the right place and hang onto it. That’s the toughest battlefield. I actually don’t care that it’s Christmas tomorrow: I have meal plans that will check off the festive part minus the guilt and sugar. I don’t want to sabotage myself. You’re right: it’s not cheating, it’s sabotage. Merry Healthful Christmas! Whoo hoo!!
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My wife and I do Christmas with Paleo foods and it’s just as festive and delicious! I’m sure you’ll find the same to be true. Merry Christmas!
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