There's No Such Thing as a 10-Step Program

Nomad · 06-05-2007, 01:30 AM

In today’s society you are flooded with advertisements on quick fixes. Some ads talk about 10 minutes a day, and you could have a washboard stomach, or arms like Arnold Schwarzenegger in Hercules. The truth is if you want to change it takes time, hard work and dedication. There are no quick steps to achieving great self-esteem, a nice body, or wisdom. When you need to fix something what you need is not a 10-step book, but a strategy that is realistic.

First and foremost you need to identify what it is that you wish to change. It might be to tone up, to quit smoking, to become smarter, etc. Once you have identified it, you need to figure out how it is you plan to do it, and perhaps do some research. I’ll use toning up as my example here. If you want to tone up, you should have a good understanding of how our bodies work. I’m not saying have a complete and in depth understanding of how fat is a culminated, but more like what kinds of foods are good for you, and why they are good for you. Also research types of exercises that would be beneficial to you. If you want to work on toning up your legs, then push-ups would not be the answer. Once you know what kinds of foods you should eat, and the type of exercise you should do, the next step is to devise a realistic, not to demanding, work out routine. Also set benchmarks, but again, they should be realistic and flexible. Losing 50lb in one week is not that realistic or healthy. Once you have your plan, execute and exercise it.

Nothing in life comes without a fight. You must sweat, and work hard to achieve any goal you have. Don’t be fooled into those 10-steps programs, because the bottom line is, life is not that simple. When it comes time to change, you must change the way you are living. So when you want to change, make a plan and then work the plan! Anything in life worth having will not come without a fight.

Betsybug0 · 06-05-2007, 02:22 AM

Mmm. I agree 100 percent with this post.

I remember on the old Exasko, you had a quote, "You have to fight to be happy". Correct me if I'm wrong but, I think that is something you came up with yourself. This is a quality I really dig in you, you are all about doing it yourself. This is belief I also share, needless to say, it's a pretty damn good belief.

Nomad · 06-05-2007, 02:56 AM

I must give credit where credit is due, so I will reveal the wise person who told me that. My mom.

Markme · 06-05-2007, 04:04 AM

I also totally agree with you, as i believe in the same sort of thing.
Some one else isnt going to change you, its you thats going to change yourself!

There's one other thing i'd like to add to what you said and its Dedication to the plan you create and doing everything in your power to contribute to your change.

sarah2 · 06-05-2007, 04:28 PM

I agree with so much of what you said, life isn't as simple as a 10 step program or a book saying, Fix your life in 10 days, How to be happy, 1 month to a beautiful body...etc.

But, some things need to be approached simply. I'm not saying getting toned or whatever.
For example, Narcotics/Alchoholics Anonymous, of which I am an active member of, has 12 steps. These 12 steps are simple to read, but not to do, which I think makes the system work. People can take years to complete the whole course, I am certainly still stuck on the early steps!
I don't think you can say all step programs don't work, the NA being a brilliant example, thousands of people are clean and sober today because of it. But that Quick Fixes don't, because that certainly IS true.