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'Commitment And Action Produce Results'

Photos courtesy of WILLIAM G. SANDERS

William G. Sanders has found balance in his life, and now is running half-marathons.

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 25, 2008

William G. Sanders, 49, Tampa

Height: 5-foot-8

Starting Weight: 215

Current Weight: 180

Why I did it: I wanted goals and discipline back in all aspects of my life, including my work as senior vice president for investments at Wachovia Securities. In high school, I enjoyed being captain of the junior varsity cross country team, qualified for state and even received the nickname Flash. But my first love was being on the wrestling team, so I chose it over running. As the years went on, I packed on the pounds, lost interest in running and my discipline faded. Two years ago, I made a New Year's resolution to get back in shape and rediscover the joy I got from running when I was a teenager. I was extremely motivated by my upcoming 50th birthday and 30-year high school class reunion.

How I did it: I hired a life coach to help regain discipline in my spiritual, family, business and physical life. I was told that with the right balance in these four areas of my life, the pieces would fall into place. As I began to dig back into God's word and focus on my wife and family, my business began to steadily grow. I felt I needed a jumpstart to lose weight; I had bad eating habits. I got help from a local weight-loss program and lost most of the weight in about three months. I still had more to lose, but I felt healthier and had a better outlook.

I cut out snacks and boredom eating. I ate smaller meals, drank as much water as I could, and ate more fruits and veggies. Last, I began to walk, then jog and, finally, run again. I started to train for half-marathons. I lost more than 35 pounds and kept it off for more than two years.

Hurdles: I love chocolate with a passion. I got past the cravings by changing my environment and way of thinking. It was very hard and still is. When negative thoughts come up, like the temptation to eat sweets, I shut them out and focus on the positive, like how much weight I have lost already. Or I reach for a handful of cashews. My physical surroundings had a major impact on my sense of balance, so I cleaned up all the clutter. I cleared out the distractions from my personal (mindset and relationships) and environmental (home, office, car) spaces.

Eating was a form of entertainment for my wife and I, so we sought a disciplined balance by surrounding ourselves with friends, adventures and trying to learn new things. I refreshed my spirit by seeking God daily, reading devotionals and attending church.

Going the distance: Since the weight loss, I became a half-marathon runner. Recently, I completed the Music City Half Marathon in Nashville. I also participated in the Rocky Mountain Half Marathon in Denver. From "overweight to overachiever" is not just a catchy tagline, it also describes my work ethic. I set up boundaries that protect and nurture me in my physical, emotional and spiritual life.

Best advice: Although commitment is crucial in weight loss, it isn't enough. You need to follow up with action. Only then will results occur. Commitment and action produce results. If I can lose weight, so can you. The human spirit is amazing. I truly believe we possess the power to change our life circumstances if we really want. Balance is the key.

We are all dedicated to something. The million-dollar question is: "What are you committed to?" If you can't pinpoint it, look at what results your life has produced. They are products of your commitments. After a little self-discovery, perhaps a shift of focus is in order.

Keyword: Lost It, to tell us about a weight-loss plan that works for you. Or send your story to mshedden@tampatrib.com or Mary Shedden, The Tampa Tribune, 200 S. Parker St., Tampa FL 33606.

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