"If you think you can do it, or you think you can’t do it, You are right."

One of my favorite theories is called Cognitive Dissonance. It basically explains the process that helps humans effectively lie to themselves. When explaining it to various people I always used a simple example: You are fat because you like to pig out. It’s not because of genetics, work hours, environment or anything else – although they can all be used as excellent excuses in effectively coping with the shameful reality. It sound harsh, but it is a good example, as I was never the thin type.

I consistently try to avoid the natural impulse of lying to myself. It’s hard to accept your weaknesses or shortcomings, but you must do this in order to overcome them at some point. When my weight got completely out of control it became obvious that I had to do something, because being fat equals being very weak (and it’s quite easy to spot).

As most people, I tried various diets with various results. The worse thing about them were not the restrictions themselves, but the close friends who always monitor you and can’t refrain from asking "Is that good for your diet?" exactly as I am ordering or while eating. But, as the song has it, I needed to lose some weight and gain some respect (at least self respect ;-).

[...]

Read the rest of the story on my current blog: http://www.manac.biz/2011/05/on-losing-weight-and-gaining-respect