Make a Commitment to Real Change - Pam El's Story

A Message from Dr. Stephen Kindred – Assistant Vice President, Corporate Medical

Are you ready to make a commitment to real change in 2009?  According to Hinda Dubin, M.D., a clinical associate professor and psychiatrist at the University of Maryland Medical Center, "Action precedes motivation, not the other way around.”  We must start by taking a serious look at where we are now.  Only then can we determine how to change for the better.

Pam, Marketing Vice President at State Farm, has found true success and happiness in her career.  “I have the rare pleasure of saying that professionally I’m doing EXACTLY what I want to do.”  Pam also has an amazing family, yet she still felt like something was missing.  “It was hard for me to come to grips with the fact that I could be so completely successful in my professional and personal life and fail so miserably in my health life, specifically when it comes to my weight issues that I’ve excused away at times and ignored at others,” Pam shared.

Like millions of Americans, Pam had struggled with her weight and experienced the pain which accompanied numerous failed attempts to get it off and keep it under control.

About 2 years ago, with high blood pressure and teetering on diabetes, Pam picked up Dr. Ian Smith’s book, The Fat Smash Diet and started losing weight.  “Then, when all was going well, I did what I’ve done for decades,” Pam said.  “I faltered and surrendered.  Again.  My typical pattern—smell a little bit of success, then stop for no apparent reason.”

It wasn’t until January 2008, when Pam saw herself on one of the documentary videos she had been shooting for The Dr. Ian’s 50 Million Pound Challenge that she realized it was time.  “I was paralyzed as I watched myself,” Pam said.  “There I was, successful, happy, hard-working and morbidly obese.  5'2" and 217 pounds.  I looked tired and old.  But mostly I looked like a hypocrite.”

Pam knew she needed to change, or The Challenge, so near and dear to her heart, would be seen by the external world as an embarrassment.  “I was traveling all over the country speaking to hundreds of thousands of people about the advantages of a free weight loss initiative and I looked like the poster child for obesity.” Pam said, “I knew I was going to become a statistic if I didn’t get serious and really turn my life around!”

Instead of waiting for inspiration to appear, take action!  Inspiration will follow.  Your initial action doesn't have to be big.  Simply putting on your sneakers and hopping on the treadmill for 10 minutes may spark the energy you have been "waiting” for. Every time you reach a new small goal, you’ll feel great – it’s very rewarding to experience success.

"Once you initiate an action – the smallest of actions – you pick up momentum,” Dubin said.  “You'll realize 'hey, this isn't so bad' and it will be a lot easier to keep moving forward, and to stay motivated."

Pam began utilizing 4 Day Diet, a program created by Dr. Ian which she credits for saving her life. “I lost 40 pounds in 6 months.  I am now down a total 64 pounds, from 217 to 153.” Pam said, “I have gone from a size 18 to a size 10 and am very close to wearing an 8, something I never imagined would happen again in my life.”

Using an exercise journal or a food diary may keep you on track. Maybe you want to run a marathon by the end of the year?  Your calendar can help you determine if you are staying "on goal.”  Having goals will help you organize your training throughout the year and motivate you - even on some of these colder days!

Pam’s entire life has changed, including her relationship with food and exercise.  Her destructive behaviors have changed.  She has a workout partner who has supported her through everything, and she keeps a daily journal to stay focused and informed. 

My physician says I have ‘walked away’ from the early signs of diabetes,” Pam said.  “My blood pressure medicine has been reduced and will soon no longer be needed…but more importantly I have gained control of my life by getting control of my health.” 

The most important lesson Pam learned from Dr. Ian, “Once you set your mind to it, you can do anything!”  
We need to take a serious look in the mirror and face our own reality.  Challenge yourself to address your current state of health, and make the commitment to real change!  Our health initiatives are for all of us, and represent another way State Farm empowers us to Live Well, Be Well!

View setbacks as lessons for growth. If you fall short, ask yourself what kept you from achieving your goals and then try again.

Don't make absolute resolutions. Keep them realistic.

Share your resolutions. Share your goals with a friend who can gently nudge you if you veer off course.

Make Meaningful Goals. If you don't have strong, internal motivation, you won't be successful.

Make time for you a priority.  Taking time for you is important.

Communicate with your family.  Talk to your partner about how you can both find time for yourselves.

Check your plan to learn more about the preventative care coverage available to you.

Visit the 50 Million Pound Challenge for weekly weight loss tips.