I’ve done some empirical research on my stick-to-itivness (or lack thereof) when it comes to my grand, sweeping declarations on this blog, of how I will reach my next big goal. I’ve even gone so far as to give advice on how to carry your intentions to fruition. But whether it’s blogging every day, or losing weight, or writing stories, I have found that my grand intentions generally tend to peter out within a month, and more precisely, as evidenced by my last two proclamations, end at day 14.

Although I do love and still work on my Bucket List, I have to admit that of all the superpowers I possess, stick-to-itivness is NOT one of them. And I’m OK with that. If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times, failure isn’t failure if you learn from it.

Having said all that, I did start on a program to lose weight 17 days ago, without any fanfare, or sweeping promises, but WITH two things I haven’t included before (at least together at the same time). Those two things are a proven, medically safe, program that provides support and guidance; AND – Downtown Dad and I are doing this together. We’ve passed the dreaded 14 day mark, so I am cautiously optimistic.

The Program is called Sanford Profile. It’s similar to the Atkins diet, in that it is ketogenic. It’s similar to Jenny Craig in that you purchase their food products. It’s also similar to the seventh circle of hell, in that you can’t drink any alcohol! But the part I like most is that they provide 24 hour, 7 day a week personal coaching and support, that, and its very local. So far, I haven’t had to use that support, although we each have separate weekly meetings with our coaches who encourage, and motivate us. And so far, it seems to be working – for both of us.

Progress is slow, excruciatingly so. But there is progress. And unlike other programs, I have real live friends who are my age, that I have seen in person, who have done this program and have succeeded in dropping a significant and noticeable amount of weight. So both DD and I are inspired.

I’m making no statements of a grand, unconditional goal, I’m setting no rigid benchmarks, and I’m only posting this anecdotally. Maybe I’ve finally hit on the secret-sauce of achieving your goals, and making it look effortless. Here’s the recipe:

1 cup of keep-it-to-yourself-until-you-actually-achieve-it;

1 cup of professional coach/encourager/prison guard;

and 1 boatload of what has always worked best for me – do it together with your partner!