Blue vs. Black. What a time for the contestants on campus during this split. I vividly remember being assigned on a team. How the dynamics of the house changed. Human nature is a funny thing. Up until this point, you have been working together with Bob and Jillian in your journey, and all of sudden you are now on TEAMS. While you still have incredible bonds with people on the other side of the gym, you are now competing against them in challenges and weigh ins. It's a tough spot. You want the people you love to do well, but deep down, you want to win. Deep within each of us is a desire to WIN.
The beauty of competition is anything can happen. You never really know who will prevail. During my season, our little Black Team was not supposed to win the first weigh in, but we did. Sure enough, this season's Black Team did too. There's something about being the perceived "underdog" that sparks something within. One of two things usually happens.... you believe you are weaker and think it's impossible to succeed, or you dig deep giving it your all knowing that it's worth it to try regardless of the result. The fact is sometimes we don't always win even when we give it our all. True success comes when you put yourself out there not knowing the outcome.
The scale can be cruel at times. What really struck me most about this week's episode was the emotion evoked during the weigh in. Certainly being on the Biggest Loser campus creates a live or die by the scale feeling. Often times we put that same pressure on ourselves at home. I was talking to my dear friend, Rita, the other day who is pursuing her own weight loss journey. She talked about her own encounters with the dreaded scale. Why is it we let a number have so much power??? When I got home from the ranch, I weighed 201 pounds. For two weeks, even though I stayed the course with diet and exercise, I did not lose a single pound. Frustrating was an understatement! Luckily by that time, I knew the process worked even if the scale wasn't cooperating. Eventually I broke through the plateau and started losing weight again. If the scale is not your friend, stay the course! Count your calories, workout hard, and you will reach your goals... I promise!
Like I've said time and time again, putting yourself out there is scary! I like to read the last chapter of a book after I've read the first chapter. I know, you're probably cringing at the thought, but I like to know the end. It helps me enjoy the journey of the book.... Unfortunately there is no last chapter to read in the book of life for assurance. I urge you to feel the fear, face it, and ultimately go through it! Find a mentor or friend to hold you accountable and encourage you. There is power in a team. UNITED WE STAND!