The Four Stages of Successful Weight Loss
Listen on Spotify | Listen on Apple Podcast
I can’t help but feel the collective energy of resolutions and aspirations for a healthier, happier self as we step into the new year. It’s the perfect time to dive into the four essential phases of successful weight loss, a journey we’ve all been on or are about to embark on.
Now, you might be thinking, “Corey, why are you so passionate about this topic?” Well, my friend, it’s because I’ve seen too many people stumble through these phases without realizing the incredible learning opportunity hidden within each step. In this week’s podcast, I want to guide you through these stages, helping you understand how they connect to the broader concept of learning and growth.
The Four Stages of Successful Weight Loss
So, here we go.
Phase 1: Unconscious Incompetence
The journey begins with unconscious incompetence. Picture this as the starting line, where you’re blissfully unaware of what you don’t know. It’s not about passing out, but rather, you’re in a state of not knowing what to do, and you’re not even aware of it. This is the initial phase, the beginning of your weight loss journey.
Phase 2: Conscious Incompetence
Moving forward, we step into conscious incompetence. This is where the lightbulb flickers, and you realize, “Hey, there’s stuff I don’t know, and I need to learn.” It’s the awakening moment where you acknowledge the gaps in your knowledge and recognize the need for education and guidance.
Phase 3: Conscious Competence
Now, we transition to conscious competence. In this phase, you actively work on what you’ve learned. It’s intentional, purposeful, but not necessarily easy. You’re making efforts, following a plan, but it requires conscious thought. This stage is crucial because it’s where you’re actively implementing your newfound knowledge.
Phase 4: Unconscious Competence
In this stage, you effortlessly apply your knowledge. Weight loss becomes second nature, and you maintain it without conscious effort. This phase is about embracing a new, sustainable approach and making positive changes that last. It’s the sweet spot where success becomes ingrained in your lifestyle, transforming not just your body but your entire way of living.
Let’s break it down further:
Phase 1: Confusion
This is the stage where you lack knowledge. You want to lose weight, but you’re unsure about the right path. It’s a state of confusion where you believe that if only you knew what to do, you’d be able to achieve your goals.
Phase 2: Learning
Moving forward, you enter the learning phase. You gain some knowledge, transitioning from confusion to being informed. You might try different diets—keto, intermittent fasting, paleo—but often find yourself unable to stick with them.
Here’s the critical point: Many people get stuck bouncing between Phase 1 and Phase 2. They try something, it doesn’t work, and they return to confusion, looking for the next solution. It becomes a frustrating cycle.
Phase 3: Epiphany
The breakthrough happens when you realize it’s not just about accumulating more knowledge. It’s about changing your brain and overall approach. This epiphany is a game-changer. You recognize that you’ve been trying variations of the same approach, and it’s time for something different.
Phase 4: New Approach
In the final stage, you embrace a new approach. You understand that it’s not about quick fixes or rigid diets. Instead, you focus on small, sustainable steps, changing your lifestyle, and learning to become unconsciously competent. This is where success truly becomes a part of who you are.
So, where are you on this journey? Are you still in confusion, frustrated in the learning phase, or maybe you’ve had that epiphany and are ready for a new approach? It’s time to reflect, be honest with yourself, and take a positive step forward.
Remember, there’s so much more to you and your body than the number on the scale. Weight loss is about gaining life, experiencing less stress, enjoying the process, and fundamentally changing your approach to health. So, believe in yourself, take that step, and let’s make 2024 the year of positive transformation. You’ve got this!
