Wait on Your Weight Goal
A new dieter, Alan, consulted me this week. He weighs 265 pounds and is 5’6”. He would like to weigh 100 pounds less. “It’s a mistake,” I told him, “to set a big goal like that. First, we really don’t know whether 165 pounds is a reasonable weight for you to get down to and maintain. Second, it’s too far away.” Alan immediately became discouraged and we had the following discussion (see pages 113-114 of the Beck Diet Solution).
Alan: But that was my weight 18 years ago. Why can’t I try for it again?”
Dr. Beck: Can I give you an analogy? You have a ten year old daughter, right? What if your daughter came to you and said, ‘Dad, I want to become a nationally ranked gymnast.’ Would you say, “Hey, that’s a great goal!”
Alan: No.
Dr. Beck: Why not?
Alan: Because I don’t think she has the genetics for it. She’s a big girl.
Dr. Beck: Any other reasons?
Alan: I wouldn’t want her to set her sights on something unreasonable and then feel badly when she couldn’t do it.
Dr. Beck: But what if she likes gymnastics? Do you think she shouldn’t pursue it at all?
Alan: No, but…..I guess I’d want her to just have fun doing it—and not try for something too hard.
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