Last week, I dedicated myself to the goal of perfection. This week, I’ve come close, and it’s paid off.

There are going to be ups and downs with every effort, weight loss or otherwise; you have to be willing to look past the occasional pothole while you’re on the journey, so you’ll finally get to the destination you want without getting sidetracked. Last week was just such a pothole.

This week has been much improved. While not every day has been perfect, I have done much better at doing the things I should be doing; eating right, getting enough water, taking my supplements, paying attention to what I am doing so I’m in the moment and aware of my actions. (Eventually, that will also include exercise.)

24 Pounds of Trout!

While I didn’t achieve perfection, I came a lot closer to it. I put in the effort. I worked on killing procrastination. And it worked. I have a loss, this week, to show for the effort.

The lesson is pretty straightforward: do what it takes. If you’re not doing what it takes, you need to adjust. If you’re not willing to adjust, you’re likely not going to get the results you want.

I’ve had a 3.8 pound loss since last week’s weigh-in; that’s a fantastic number, and I’m extremely pleased with it. I’m now 24.4 pounds down in two months, and I’m very happy with that total. (I’ll also be pleased when I surpass the point where I can find interesting photos that aren’t fish or babies!)

For the month of October, 2013, I lost 8.2 pounds, which would be a nice monthly average, if I can keep it; about two pounds a week. At this point in my progress, other than some moments of frustration, I think I’m doing well; I’ve seen a vast improvement in health-related factors, particularly symptoms of IBS. Generally speaking, I feel better. I’m in a better mood more often, as well.

My clothes are also fitting better, both top and bottom. While I haven’t dropped a size, yet (and I don’t expect to for quite some time), my clothes are definitely looser. Even my shoes are fitting better; probably because of water retention issues.

I’ll be at 25 pounds down, once I lose .6 of a pound; and at that point, I’ll be halfway toward my first weight goal of 50 pounds lost. Halfway! I really feel like I’m accomplishing something. Hitting achievable milestones feels good.