Step #5 - Toyota's Eight Steps to Problem-Solving Applied to Weight Loss

Create Counter Measures

In this step, we begin defining the path to achieving the goal. For me, it was to lose 50 lbs. in one year, on average one pound per week. I realized during past attempts that severely restricting my caloric intake and increasing exercise dramatically, my body quickly went into survival mode making weight loss very difficult. Appetite would increase and fatigue would set in.   

I knew I needed small wins every day, every week to stay motivated.  For instance, saying I was going to start out walking 10,000 steps a day from basically zero, was simply setting me up for failure.  Neck, back and leg pain would become debilitating and discourage establishing a successful routine. Also, I knew I had to hold myself accountable and this plan had to be a priority everyday. Weighing each morning ensured that the goal was top-of-mind throughout the day.

Learning about vitamins and minerals that are important for the body to function properly became a passion for me. I also spent a great deal of time learning about hormones and how they regulate the systems of the body. If the body is not producing or utilizing hormones properly, weight loss will be inhibited. 

With this knowledge in mind, I developed the following counter measures to the root causes outline in last week’s article:

1.     Weight – Lose 50 lbs.

a.     Weigh every morning  and record in weight log

b.     Measure and log chest, upper waist, waist and hips once a month

2.     Mobility – Neck and back pain

a.     Chiropractic

b.     Massage

c.      Natural pain remedies

3.     Diet – Emotional eater, poor food choices, instant gratification

a.     Food journal

b.     Eliminate one problem food per week (sugar, wheat, soda, grain)

c.      Substitute movement for snacking during evening

4.     Exercise – Lack of movement

a.     Walk 5,000 steps per day

b.     30 minutes of exercise three days per week

5.     Health – Lack of hormones, nutritional deficiencies, prescription medications

a.     Start a hormone replacement therapy

b.     Vitamin D, Magnesium, B-12 and Vitamin C

c.      Eliminate use of prescription pain medication

6.     Mental/emotional – Secrets, regrets

a.     Daily devotional

b.     Journal

“All you need is the plan, the road map, and the courage to press on to your destination,” said Earl Nightingale. Take time to write down in detail your counter measures this week creating your road map to reach your goal.

Next Article #6 - Implement Plan

Kerri Smith is a marketing professional by trade but dedicates her life to learning and challenging the status quo. Smith is a wife, mother, grandmother, businesswoman, professional speaker, teacher, student, author, survivor and lover of life. Learn more at www.cuexceed.com.