MichaelRobinson3Michael was in the home office this week and I got to hear a little bit about his journey to living a healthy lifestyle. As he was running on the treadmill in the wellness center, he told me that he has built up to running 2 miles without stopping! I was truly inspired to hear his journey and I am certain you will be inspired too!

Q: What is the “why” behind deciding to make a significant lifestyle change towards health?

A: This actually started many years ago when my son was just a baby. My wife looked at me one day and said, “Michael, I want you around when the kids are grown”. This hit me like a ton of bricks. I was the largest I’d ever been and didn’t think twice about the choices I was making regarding food. Her words woke me up, and ever since then I’ve made it a priority to make healthy choices.

Q: Has your motivation changed over the course of your journey?

A: Not really. I realize that making healthy choices is not just for a season of life, but for my entire life. If not, I most likely won’t be able to grow old with my wife.

Q: When did your journey begin and what has been your story?

A: Technically, this journey began around 10 years ago. However, in 2010 through 2013 a lot of transitions and difficult days were going on in my life. I ended up falling into some of the old patterns. I quit working out and put on weight again. On November 4, 2013, I decided “enough is enough.” I determined then that I would lose weight again, start exercising again and eat better.

Q: What are 3 things you’ve learned since living this way?

A: #1: It’s doable. Change really can happen.
#2: It’s hard work. It takes a lot of hard work and discipline to not only make changes, but to do it on a regular basis so that you can begin to see results.
#3: It takes patience. This does not happen overnight. It’s a day in-day out process. This has to become a part of my lifestyle, not just something I do for a short period of time.

Q: If someone is looking to live a healthier life, what would one tip be to encourage them into making a change?

A: You must believe you can do this. If I can, so can you. This is really something that can be done. I promise! And once you believe you can do it, just get started.

Q: Since you are often on the road for business, what are some tips you have learned to keep you on track for a healthy lifestyle?

A: When it comes to eating out, I have ZERO discipline! So, what’s my solution: eat out as little as possible. Since I’m on the road daily, I choose to bring food with me instead of eating at the small town Dairy Queen. I pack things like granola bars, nuts, trail mix, etc. This has played a huge role in me having success in losing weight.

Q: What is one goal you have yet to accomplish, but still working towards?

A: I want to reach my goal weight by November 4 of this year. I’ve only got 5 more pounds to go.