Let’s get something really, really clear. I hate NAMBLA. HATE. (I won’t link, google if you must know what that horrible organization is and does).
I also hate HATE the KKK. Of the organizations they are 1 and 1a in terms of “totally evil, but sadly, must be legal.” That whole libertarian streak
I’m going to use these vile organizations to help me lose weight. Stay with me here, I know it’s a stretch.
How To Use People You Hate For Goals You Want:
I’ve been in an accountability group for a while. I’ve been focusing on selling 100 blogs. That goal is on pace. The one that’s not, though…I’ve gone through it in fits and starts, and it’s been an interesting journey for me. Right now, I’m trying to lose 40# in 100 days. About 40 days in, and I’m only down about 9 net pounds, and all of that was from a couple of weekends. I’m doing better-but-not-great at the dinner table. I’m doing badly at getting to the gym. Flat out badly. I need to work out more. Nothing has worked–my intentions are good…but between sleep training Ruby and everything else, I’m just not making it. So let’s fix it with something that MUST work.
So, I had an idea. What if a kitten would die if I didn’t work out. Sadly, both PETA and I agree with the premise that kittens shouldn’t die if I don’t work out.
So, I had another idea: what if I lost money from not working out. (Note: when you’re less attractive, you lose money) So I wrote out a check to a few friends, and told them the score: I don’t work out, they cash the check. Still, it doesn’t have the STING that I want. Because I’m helping friends out. And it’s a perverse incentive.
So, I thought: first, time I miss the gym it’s a warning. I get a check written out to a couple of friends and they cash it. The SECOND time.
Well, let’s just say that I become the Grand Wizard of NAMBLA.
So, 4 checks. All with instructions: Cash this if I don’t prove that I got to the gym. First check goes to my friends. The second check? That goes to NAMBLA or the KKK.
They BETTER do it. Phil? Jesse? Counting on you. They’ve been sent SASEs. I gotta go to the gym man.
I’ll probably up the ante a little bit and make a picture of my ‘food diary’ become necessary.
Anyway, the rule is this: I gotta prove that I was at the gym, or these puppies get cashed.
I gotta do this till October 1st…then the checks I will void.
Bottom line: I get one day off a week, either Friday or Sunday, but not both. I’ve got to post a video by 1am the next morning on Youtube proving that I was at the gym. I don’t know of a practical way to prove a workout, but this is good. I’ll also be taking a picture of what I ate and putting it here. All this is in the sidebar to the right. Please subscribe. Rat me out. I’m tired of the excuses.
My Gym is urban active, and here’s the first video I got:
These little accountability videos will show up in the side bar. I’ll do the vids with my crappy Blackberry. I would rather have a PXL 2000, but this will do. Join me at http://www.youtube.com/user/accountachris to track my progress and encourage me not to deal become the Grand Wizard of Nambla.
Oh, also: if I go to run at the woods, that counts, too, but I gotta find a stranger to say what day it is and go on video. Should be fun.
Fight Racism: Encourage Me To Get To The Gym.
I made a badge since Ryan wanted one.
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Shit. You beat me to it… Check my sidebar.
Good Luck Chris!
I suggest CrossFit workouts – they’re intense, burn fat, and build muscle better “pound for pound” than any other regimen I know of.
I have to admit that I’m pretty sure this is brilliant.
It isn’t normally the way I’d go. But I like it!
All the best!
deb
Getting the motivation to go the gym can be very difficult. We all need a little push sometimes to get started or stay on track. Your idea of giving checks to friends or some unsavory organization for not working is a good start. The bad thing about your plan is that you are on the losing end and worse you are contributing to not so good things. Additionally your plan is counterproductive. If you find getting motivated tough already creating bad associations and additional dread can be demoralizing. Here are a couple of better solutions.
1. Find a workout partner. Working out with a workout partner is a great way to keep you in check, focused, and consistent. Sometimes this doesn’t work, or it’s just not possible to find a workout partner.
2. Hire a private trainer. I highly recommend this, especially since you are already prepared to shell out money to friends and unsavory organizations. Instead spend your money on a trainer. Trainers are not cheap. This will motivate you to go to the gym consistently and it’s their job to motivate you. If you miss a session the terms of your contract probably dictate that you still owe money for that missed session. Second, you getting trained by a professional will hasten the your progress giving you higher returns for your efforts and compounding your motivation. Once you are on your feet, in the groove, and working out has become a habit, you can reduce the number or length of the training sessions.
Here’s a link to for 10 ways to stay motivated (http://bit.ly/WDlsS). Don’t let Bodybuilding moniker dissuade you. Any person can implement the suggestions.
GOOD LUCK!
Chris — Avoiding pain is far more effective when it comes to motivation than moving towards pleasure. On that there’s no debate. The only question then would be: Does the thought of writing those evil checks cause you sufficient pain to go the extra mile to avoid it?
Commando is on the money with CrossFit. You might even have a local CF gym near you. Consider it.
Good luck — but of course you already know luck has nothing to do with the outcome. :)
Brilliant. Wish I had thought of it. Dick.
BAO- There is NO chance I will fail. NONE. I will NEVER see NAMBLA get a dime of my money. If Jesse gets one, if I miss a day at the gym, that sucks balls. But I’m NOT gonna do something that causes those pervs to profit.
Ingenious! I can’t imagine a better way to motivate yourself other than participating in the running of the bulls.
Waiting on the Aug 4th video, buddy… :)
Just making sure you’re going to get off yer butt today. Git-r-done!
You must not fail! I can’t decide who is more loathsome – NAMBLA or the KKK. As a father I have to go with NAMBLA being worse by a squeeze. So, get off your *** and work off that weight! I hope you’re running/jogging/walking/crawling to the gym!
If you’re still behind next week, your punishment will be to get a trainer.