Let me star by stating this; change that requires no effort is just a temporary fix.  Back in Puerto Rico, when working as a graphic designer for advertising, a model we knew came in one day asking for photos for an ad. This kid was in his prime condition and spent quite some amount of considerable time training to be fit. He was putting a lot of hard work to stay in shape. He was dedicated. The photos he was requesting were for an ad where he was the “after” for a miracle product that will make you ripped without the need for workings or diets. “Yeah, Pepe!”  We see it in commercials presenting and trying to sell products that “change lives” and you have to do barely nothing to achieve results. I bet many of us wished it was that easy.

I am naturally slim and just in recent years discovered the experience of gaining weight. I am also fairly active, too. Many people think I have nothing to complain about but with my height and body frame, 140 lbs feel uncomfortable when for the longest time I was just 115-120 lbs. At my age, it is also harder to stay in shape. I don’t diet. I don’t eat excessively, but I like sweets, a lot! I wish I could wake up one morning with the perfect body and stay fit by just eating all my favorite junk, watching TV, and taking a magic pill that would do the work for me. That would be fantastic!

Changes in character, habits, behaviors, and lifestyle also require effort, willingness, modifications, and boundaries.  One simple piece of advice: don’t buy the cake and it won’t be available in your fridge at midnight when you crave it. Changes also require time away from people and places that may hinder your progress towards your goals, and being in places where you feel encouraged and comfortable to engage in a process that will help you achieve. Real friends will support us and help us, and seek to ensure our wellbeing. If that is not the case, we need to consider our “friends” and who we are acquainted with. The Apostle Paul wisely makes us aware of this truth:

Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
1 Corinthians 15:33

It is also important to be wise on establishing goals for ourselves. There is a main goal and we need to identify it. It gives a sense of destination and keeps our focus. Within that journey, we have to set milestones and short-term goals, because each time we reach one, we become more motivated to continue. We also have to make sure to celebrate each small victory and be thankful. Avoid shortcuts. Let’s not be discouraged by our shortcomings, failures, and when we missed the mark. Keep trying. Let’s make the adjustments necessary to accomplish the goals. We must remember that there is no magic pill. Change requires the effort.