A Bit of a Slow Start, But Still Losing Weight

Last Updated on May 21, 2023 by Michael Brockbank

Here I am, several days into my new 12-week fitness challenge and I’m off to a slow start. I really haven’t done much in the realm of exercise nor have I spent much time at the gym. However, I’m still down four pounds from where I started.

I’m pretty sure that just means I’ve digested all the crap I ate the week before.

Why the Slow Start?

I’ve been trying to analyze why it’s taking me so long to kick this into gear. This time around, it has very little to do with being lazy and not caring.

At the moment, it has more to do with circumstance and professionalism.

Been Busy with the Writing

Publishing my first book last year was invigorating. Not only can I call myself a published author today, but it’s given me a ton of content for my writing blog and YouTube channel.

As such, I’ve spent a great deal of time recently planning out everything I want to write. This includes keyphrases, competition analysis, and more so that my content can rank well.

Something else to consider is that I made it a challenge for myself to publish at least three more books in 2022. So, I’ve been spending a lot of time writing my next novel.

Not to mention how I’ve been putting more effort into the other four blogs that I own. Needless to say, I’ve been exceptionally busy this year.

On the flip side, though, it also means I am too busy to snack. When I’m writing, I barely remember to eat actual meals let alone graze on chocolate or another carb-heavy snack.

A Lot of Snow

When I’m not working on my personal projects or client work, I used to spend my free time walking in the backyard. As we’ve had virtually non-stop snow this week, I haven’t been able to get my steps in.

Though, truth be told, I’d rather have the snow, anyway. We need the moisture and I absolutely love the winter months. Unfortunately, we had a brown and green Christmas, but at least it snowed the day after.

I could drive over to Planet Fitness and use the treadmill, but that would mean driving my daughter’s Fiat. It’s a sporty little car with exceptionally touchy breaks and dime-sized turning.

I don’t want to risk wrecking the car trying to get out of my neighborhood because of all the snow. If it were mine, it would be no problem. But I don’t want to wreck it before she gets her license.

This is aside from the fact that it seems people lose their minds and forget how to drive in the snow.

Come on, you live in Colorado, for hell’s sake.

I’m in Learning Mode

Because I’ve spent so much time lately with self-publishing, I’ve also spent a great deal of time learning. I watch videos and read blog posts to learn all I can about the process.

This is how I became an expert at Textbroker and freelance writing. I’m putting in the same energy and determination to become the best I can be.

In order to do this while still getting everything done, though, I have to research and learn during my free time most days. But given what’s at stake, it’s more of a priority for me overall.

In other words, I get less time working out than usual.

The Slow Start Won’t Stop Me This Time!

Although I am off to a slow start, I’m not going to let it discourage me from my goals. In fact, I’ve recorded everything all week long on my 12-week fitness spreadsheet.

I think this will be the first time I’ve ever recorded a full week’s worth of calories, steps, and exercises.

I’ll still take the before and after photos this weekend, but I’m not sure if there really is that much of a visible difference. Especially since I haven’t been able to get to the gym.

I’m also setting up a new case study using the Xbox Kinect. I’ll use the data for a blog post on ColoradoPlays.com about losing weight in a set amount of time. This will help keep me motivated as I love to crunch numbers and show actual results.

I also got an Oculus Quest 2 for Christmas, so I need to start buying some fitness games for it to review. Plus, I’d like to compare the Oculus and the Kinect for which one has the better workouts.

But perhaps the biggest thing I need to change right now is sticking with my workout schedule. At 6:45 am, I should either be at the gym or in front of the Kinect. Lately, I’ve been too excited about writing that I just start as soon as I get up.

If you think about it, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. I just need to focus on my schedule and why I created it in the first place.

It’s funny; I need the willpower to keep from working so I can play games and work up a sweat. For most people, it’s the other way around.

Success is Possible, Even with a Slow Start

I’m not overly concerned about my progress, at the moment. As I said, I’ve still lost four pounds so far with two days to go in the week. That’s still doing relatively well, in the grand scheme of things.

I’m still incredibly excited, motivated, and determined to do some awesome things this year. I just need to calm down on the professional aspect of my life just a bit.

About Author

Michael Brockbank

Since 2015, Michael has put in the effort to lose more than 80 pounds by gamifying fitness and eating proper portion sizes. He conducts extensive research into various health and fitness products to provide the best answers possible according to his own experience and knowledge.

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