Stories: Michael Robinson
Michael 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.
Very Inspiring!!! I love to hear stories , like Michael’s,. With perseverance and determination, we can accomplish our goals! Well done, Michael!
Way to go Michael! Minnesota happens to be the home of DQ and there is one is most every town. I’ll use this as inspiration to keep driving by. As a fellow road warrior I feel your pain and am yet to conquer, but the challenge continues. Keep it up and good luck on your final five lbs.