Saturday 7 March 2009

The Stolen Porsche Analogy


This has to be the most annoying conversation I find myself having with people.

This week I am trying to lose some body fat. Before Christmas I was 10%, yet now I am 12%. Since most of my training is with body weight exercises, I have certainly noticed the difference.

Here's the scenario: we're out, having a meal.

"Aren't you drinking?" someone might ask.

"No."

"Why not?"

"I am trying to lose some fat this week."

Incredulous look. "You? Trying to lose fat? But you don't need to!"

Inward sigh. "I do - I put on a load over Christmas and am trying to get back to where I was."

Typically, at this point, they are still not buying it, and start to enlist the support of others, who, naturally, are able to match their outrage.

So here's a story I have started using to explain this better.

Suppose you have a brand new Porsche. You drive around in it for a year. It's great. Around Christmas, someone steals the Porsche, but the insurance company replaces it with a Ford Mondeo. How would you feel? You would not be happy. But wait! All your friends are driving round in Mark 1 Fiestas - so it's okay, right?

It usually works.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Methuselah,

I love this analogy. The same thing happens to me as well. When I pass up another beer and opt for water instead, I get a similar reaction.

It doesn't feel good to be less than your best...even if your less is better than those around you.

I'm certainly not saying that being lean is everything...I think it is important to strive for your best in every aspect of life. It is also important to not be afraid to surpass those around you. If anything you will become a good role model for them to follow.

Great post!

Rusty

Methuselah said...

Thanks Rusty - and thanks for stopping by. I enjoyed your recent piece about water. I used to be a real water guzzler, and it was liberating to kick that habit.