Wednesday, October 1, 2014

October 1st, 2014 A Redirection Of Focus

October 1st, 2014 A Redirection Of Focus

Things are going very well. I'm losing weight consistently and feeling fantastic. Things are well, not perfect. If I had to identify two things I need to improve, it's the amount of sleep at night and the amount of water I consume each day. Improving both of these numbers will only benefit my health.

I feel like I'm experiencing some breakthroughs with my time management/sleep issues. First of all, it's important for me to note that fortunately, I'm not writing about sleep apnea symptoms at this time, it's all about quantity at this point. I seem to be resting very well during this part of my transformation. I say "this part" because I know from previous experience that I must constantly be aware of how I'm sleeping and breathing and how I feel upon waking and throughout the day. Unfortunately, sleep apnea symptoms can and often do come back, despite weight loss. Right now, I'm enjoying some freedom from it and I sincerely hope and pray it continues for a very long time.

Breakthroughs-- yes. Here's the thing: In regard to the issue of constantly going to bed way too late, I was focusing on the wrong thing. I was focusing on trying to fix the end result instead of focusing on the elements leading to that result. It was frustrating because my focus was "I've got to get to bed earlier and by golly I'm gonna do it!" But then, without changing the elements throughout my day, I would repeat the same thing over and over--even reaching a point I wouldn't complain about it anymore within these writings; trying hard not to mention the issue. My attitude was a no-nonsense, slightly harsh one: If I'm going to continue doing it, then I might as well shut up about it already!!

Yesterday and today--no nap. And I was just fine. I made it through quite well and I'm about to hit the publish button on this one and hit the pillow. The proper focus--and it's something that was probably very obvious to you, was needed earlier in the day. The choices I make at the intersection of my work day and the rest of my day/evening, are the critical ones in need of focus. And it's all about attitude and perspective. I've challenged myself yesterday and today and I've come out on top of it. That feels really good!

This redirection of focus reminds me of the overwhelming feeling some of us have experienced when we're faced with a large weight loss challenge. If our focus is on the "I must lose weight--I've got to lose almost 300 pounds or 200, or 40"--it can seem overwhelming--but if we reel that in and point our focus on the smaller elements--the one day, one choice at a time approach, pretty soon we realize we're actually doing it--the smaller focus on the supporting elements needing our attention make this big, sometimes overwhelming challenge, totally doable. We don't have to figure out the big thing all at once. We figure out the small things and suddenly the big thing changes into something we can handle.

I had a long work day today that took the lions share of my afternoon and then a recording session this evening for a voice-over project. I made sure to enjoy dinner before the session and get a good two mile walk in immediately after.

I've had a meatless day. I don't know how often I do this because I honestly haven't paid much attention. It stuck out to me today because I was debating on adding some sirloin tip steak atop my pasta, then I added the calories, eventually deciding it wasn't needed. Interesting.

This focus on time management is important to me for a variety of reasons. I have two big projects on the horizon, an audio meditations project and book number two--plus I have the very strong desire to get focused on a YouTube series with my girlfriend, Heather.  Proper time management is going to become even more critical, quickly.

My Tweets today:












Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean

17 comments:

  1. Sean, what kind of sugar free pasta sauce do you use and does have artificial sweeteners in it? I just can't seem to find any without sugar. By the way, great job on the weight loss this time around!!! Keep inspiring us!

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    1. I use tinned pureed tomato (no salt or sugar) and add my own chopped onion and garlic and mushrooms, chilli powder, whatever you like. You don't need to buy pre-made stuff at all.

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    2. I like Natalie's suggestion. TY Natalie!! I really should try doing it homemade one of these days soon!
      Kellie-- the kind I buy is called Victoria Trading Company from Brooklyn, NY. I found it at Walmart. Ingredients: Tomatoes, onions, olive oil, basil, salt, garlic, spices. No sugar and NO artificial sweeteners! It's reasonably priced too at $3.49...The other options I've found without sugar are all much higher. Thank you, Kellie!

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  2. Sean, I know you love your tortillas (and a little potatoes and pasta, I think), but honest to God my sleep quality is SO SO much better being 98% grain free. I try not to push the primal/grain-free thing because most people just cannot fathom life without it and it's therefore a turn off, but I haven't felt this good in decades and virtually everyone who does go grain free ends up feeling exactly the same way. All I'm saying is you might want to try a month without, and realize the great benefits. (or not. LOL)

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    1. Oh Gwen-- you mean--- give up my corn based tortillas? I rarely do white potatoes--once in a blue moon--so I wouldn't miss those--pasta--same way...rarely---I could live without it...But, but--my beloved corn based products? :(
      Of course there was a time I couldn't imagine giving up sugar--and I've done that, so who knows?
      I'm feeling great and losing weight--and honestly I've never felt better. I'm not opposed to trying different things--but probably not anytime soon if it involves banishing the tortillas.
      It's funny--because I will not touch kernel corn or corn on the cobb-- But I'll eat corn based products (gluten free pasta and the tortillas) all day, sometimes.
      Thank you, Gwen--and by the way, I love what you're doing and how you do it! Just not sure if I could commit to it at this time.

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  3. Sean, I am so glad that consistent, good, quality sleep is becoming a priority for you. My sleep doc told me a while back that when you have a serious sleep disorder, it is as detrimental to your health as out-of-control diabetes. You may not see the long-tern effects immediately, but they are wearing down your immune system and making you more susceptible to auto-immune diseases, heart disease, cancer, and have a profound effect on your emotional/mental health. My doctor also said that it affects your weight and so much more. I am not saying this to scare you, and knowing you, you are probably already aware of all of this. You seem to be very informed and proactive about your health, Sean. I just am concerned that you do not get enough sleep. 95% of folks need 8 solid hours of sleep, even though a lot of them think they don't because they survive well on 5 or 6. But my sleep doc says that when you get into your 50s, the long-tern effects start to show up. Anyway, all of this to say that I am so glad to read this post and see that you are aware that sleep has to be a priority. Your food tweets are so helpful and your eating plan is so healthy, and I think that including the foods that make it also enjoyable to you (Mexican foods), will make this a lifetime change, and not just a diet to lose weight. I have learned from you that that is essential! Thanks for posting every day...it helps others more than you know.

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    1. Great comment, A!! Sobering and real--and somewhat scary, but VERY true stuff. I do not get enough, but I'm making strides in the proper direction--for sure!!!
      I'm so glad you're enjoying the daily blog and the food tweets. Foods that make it enjoyable--yes, very important!! I'm glad it helps others--very glad. Makes me very happy.

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  4. It's so very hard to change our sleep patterns. Congrats on figuring out the equation!

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    1. Connie-- i wouldn't necessarily say I've figured it out--but I truly believe my focus was all wrong--and as I implement this new focus and approach, It'll be interesting to see how my sleep patterns and schedule changes.

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  5. Focusing on the DAILY choices of time management and what is behind our food choices was so great to hear. I knew this but needed to be reminded.
    Thanks for the info on your "marinara sauce" recipe! Also, what do you do Sean, to keep the other 1/2 apple, pear or whatever fruit from browning out to be used later? Am ready to stock my shelf with items my new knowledge from you has put in my life, so I too can be confident as you are, that the many little choices throughout the day are what will lead to the big goal of weight loss.

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    1. Oh--Nancy-- I think you're talking about Natalie's recipe in the comments above! I have a nice Ninja blender-processor--I need to make some!
      To keep the other 1/2 from browning? Put it in a plastic baggie with a few drops of lemon juice. Most of the time though--I just let it do what it does--a little brown doesn't look as pretty, but the taste seems pretty much the same if it's eaten pretty quick.
      The lemon juice thing works if you want to give it a try!

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  6. I think your sleep has been like my water, I enjoyed reading your thoughts on choices and as always, love the food tweets.thanks for sharing!

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    1. Oh, Alati--absolutely!! Glad you're reading and enjoying the postings.
      I'm really glad I started including the Food Tweets whenever I did--3 or 4 months ago, maybe? I feel like they really represent how eating well and losing weight can look. Thank you so much for your support! Always welcome, Alati

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  7. Sleep and water---
    Those are two things that make my cravings go away and make me feel super healthy! Great post--it's cool to hear your thoughts and progress. Very inspiring.

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    1. Kirtley,
      Yes, yes, YES!! Sleep and water--two BIG things!! It's a wonder how I've lost well without these two elements in optimal positions. I know the benefits of both are undeniable and waiting for me to discover!! And I shall!

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  8. Kirtley its true.Its very good method to be healthy and fit.

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