I'm changing. (A Personal Journal Updated Daily, sometimes more.)

[Just Another Guy....]

I need to change. So, I'm starting. This is going to be a thread that I will use for updating my personal progress towards my goals. If you want to follow, or support, please do. It will only help me further along. Anyway, I want to start out right now, by identifying personal flaws/strengths, and decide on legit goals that I can reach. I will start out slow, but I want to become more confident in myself.

(If this is posted in the wrong section or something, please MOVE it, and not delete it, this is going to be a lot of typing and work.)

Anyway, I'll start out with an introduction....

Intro

I'm 18 years old, and I am attending a four year university. (I'd rather not say which one, it doesn't even relate to this anyway) I strive for academic success, and I generally achieve. I held a 3.6 GPA throughout high school. I'm 6'2" and I don't expect to get any taller..... I weigh 218 pounds. (See the goals and flaws area) I have long brown hair, and I really don't do anything with it. I'm looking for some ideas...... I wear glasses, but they aren't like geeky glasses or anything........(see help area)


The Good

-I've lost a lot of weight already. I weighed 261 pounds about 5 months ago. I know it's not a lot of weight lost over that period of time (I know weight 218) but it's given me a lot more confidence in myself.

-I'm a very witty person, and I can make anyone laugh. I know I sound a like I'm exaggerating or something, but I really am a very funny person. In high school, I was the funny fat kid who sat in the back of class. It wasn't stupid jokes or anything, just witty remarks or sarcastic remarks that made people laugh.

-New people, new chances. In college, there are only 4 people out of 6,000 that have met me before. Therefore, I have a chance to give everyone an entirely new impression about myself. I have a once in a lifetime chance, and I've realized that I need to do something about it.

-I've gone through a lot in my life, and I don't get down about being rejected. I've had deaths in the family, I lost my closest friend to a house fire. I've been rejected 3 times, and not once was I really upset or mad about it. Sure, I was a little depressed immediately, but after a few hours it set in and I don't have anything that haunts me or prevents me from asking a girl out due to fear of rejection.

-I had friends in 'high places' in high school. And, I am close to the four people who are going to school, and they were 'in high places' at high school. I don't know how much of a difference that makes now that I am in college, but I'm going to be invited to parties because of it, I suppose.

-I have money. I'm not trying to sound...... I don't know what the word is here, but I'm not trying to impress anyone by saying that. I got a ton of scholarship money, and I have a job. So, improving myself cosmetically, while it will be a challenge, hopefully won't be too restricted by money. In saying that, that doesn't mean I want to go spend $100 on a shirt or something.....

-I'm not a boring person, and I am open to do pretty much anything. Since I wasn't the most popular person ever, I was open to doing anything with pretty much anyone. However, I've never done drugs, I don't smoke, and I've never had anything to drink. I don't know if that's good or not......

-I don't have bad skin problems. I know some people go through hell with acne and stuff, but I don't. I get the occasional stuff, but not very often. I tan pretty well do to the time I spend golfing.

If there is anything you'd like to know about this, or comment or anything... PLEASE DO. PLEASE. Your comments, suggestions and support will really help me, so PLEASE comment.


The Bad

-I get lazy about doing things I don't want to. I get lazy about working hard, and doing things I don't like to do. Although, I generally tag along and do them anyway, I go in with a bad attitude about whatever activity it is.

-I'm embaressed by my weight. I feel like I'm a lot bigger than I am. My friends always tell me I'm not fat anymore, rather I'm just a big guy, but I can't convince myself of that, and I feel so much bigger than everyone else. This is one of the things that does hold me back.

-I'm shy. I get nervous when I first meet someone. I don't know why, because I'm not afraid of rejection, I just get scared opening up to someone, and I get nervous about learning about new people, I don't know why.

-I lack a cell phone. It seems that a cell is a necessity for storing numbers and talking to everyone, but I don't have one. Although starting college and being on campus, I am planning on getting on VERY soon.

-I don't have very good social skills. I have trouble with opening questions, which is part of the reason I am shy. I am doing a lot of reading on here, and other various sites though, so hopefully that will help, but any tips are greatly appreciated.

The Ugly

-I have lost weight, but I'm still not satisfied with my current weight. I am extremely happy I have lost as much weight as I have, but I want to lose more.

-My teeth and breath. I had braces for 5 years, so my teeth are extremely straight, but I am a coffee drinker in the morning, and my teeth are..... not white. I'm sure this doesn't help my breath, so I'm going to start some Whitestrips or something. Does anyone have suggestions on things that work well?

-I have a problem with over eating. The problem lies when I eat while I'm doing something else. Playing video games, or surfing the new or something. I have cut down on my this though, by telling my mom to not buy Doritoes, Oreos, and those snacks that I really like. I haven't found something to replace them though, because I have found that I am not hungry at night, and most of the time I ate because I was bored.

-I eat terrible at my job, and I'm afraid it will carry over to school. I work at a grocery store stocking shelves, right next to Wendy's and McDonalds. I go there way too much, and on campus, there is Wendy's, McDonalds, KFC, Taco Bell..... etc.... So, my self control is in question.

-I have no one to do this with. That's why I finally registered here, and plan on changing my habits.

-I have no dating experience whatsoever. I've never been on a date, kissed a girl, (obviously never had sex) and I've never gotten a girls number before. Wow, typing that really made me realize how much I wasted high school, and how much I really want to change.



Those are some qualities about me, if you have ANY questions PLEASE ask. I need help, support, everything....I am GOING to make a change, and it's starting today.


Personal Goals

1. To continue losing weight. (Should I get a number in mind?)
2. To Excercise more.
3. Eat more healthy.
4. Become more sociable.
5. To cosmetically look better. (Wearing better clothes, smelling better, whiter teeth..... etc)
6. To do something with my hair....I will be taking pictures soon, to let everyone give me some ideas... hopefully?
7. To meet new people, regardless of sex.
8. To get a girls number.
9. To get a girl.
10. To..... yeah to a girl.


Those are listen by priority, somewhat. Some kinda go hand in hand, but I feel they are all feasable, at least, into the future. I'm starting slowly though, and I need suggestions, comments support, whatever.

Immediate Goals

1. Get to know 10 new people.
2. Start a regular exercise routine, running, walking, swimming... idk.... but I am going to start doing something. (Recommendations, amount of time... etc)
3. Eat better by avoiding fast food, and packing a lunch. (I'm going to keep track of how many days I go without fast food.)
4. Spend more time hanging out with people I already know, to further my relationships. I'm not going to give up what I already have, but I'm not going to restrict myself to that group of people.
5. Spend less time with video games and internet, and more time exercising.... or doing anything for self improvement.


I'm GOING to achieve these goals by Monday September 10th. I will keep everyone up to date on these goals. Hopefully I get some support and this doesn't turn into a personal diary or something......


Anyway, I'm sorry for the extremely long post, and I hope someone, at least one person, will follow me on my self improvement. I am going to be more active on here (rather than just lurking) in an attempt to learn more about self improvement and stuff.

I am also looking for exercise ideas....... Like, during the last Michigan football game (which sucked by the way) I did 10 push ups during every intermission, and I added up the points at the end (34+32=64) and I did 64 pushups.... They weren't in a row though, I'm still too big.... But, I did them........

I WILL be changing, and I hope at least one person will follow and support me......


I'll update everyone soon.

-----------------------

I typed this up September 1st, so I have some major updating to do.

 

[Just Another Guy....]

-----------------------

Freshman Orientation: Day One

We started out in assigned groups, doing really random ice breakers. Although really lame, it helped me get somewhat comfortable about the people in my group. I learned some random facts about a few people. And two of them I've know gotten to know very well. I'll update about that in the other days. Anyway, after about 30 minutes of group icebreakers, we had to go back to the student center.

-----------------------------------
Girl 1



Right when we left the student center this HB8.5 if you were to ask me, held the door for me, she turned around and smiled, and then started walking towards the student center. I just said. "Hey, What's up?"

That's how my relationship started with her.

We began talking about classes we had, (we don't share any, but we are on campus together a lot) our parents freaking out, our feelings towards college..... etc. It was a pretty boring/dry conversation, but I got to know her a little bit. I found out where she works, the car she drives, about her family...... etc. The basics. I didn't openly share anything, (for reasons) but she was curious and would ask the same questions back that I would ask her.

Once we got back to the student building, we had to go listen to a lecture. Since there are 2,000 new people walking around and hardly anyone knows anyone, we sat together. The guy lecturing was talking about random stuff not do to, such as bringing a bow and arrow to school. So, I'd say things like "Yeah, because we're all here to hunt." and really dumb stuff like that. She'd laugh and hit me on my arm (Yeah, she started kino)

After the lecture, we had to go to some giant building because everyones parents had to be at this part of the orientation, and we had to ride with our parents to this giant building, so I didn't see her the rest of that day, and to be honest, as bad as this sounds, I didn't get her name either.
--------------

Guy 1

Tanner

This guy was our group leader, he's not a freshman or anything, but we just started talking because he lives on the same lake my grandparents have a cottage on. So, we started talking about random stuff, now we talk a lot, and he invited me to a party Saturday evening at his dorm......



Guy 2

Dan

This guy was pretty shy and wasn't saying anything, but we started talking about hockey a lot, so we got to know each other pretty well. We're actually working out tomorrow morning.


Girl 2

Katy

This girl has the two turn on's for me, Brown Curly Hair and those thick rimmed glasses. So, I talked to her for a while when we met up later in the day with our groups to eat. She's in my English class, so I'm hoping to talk to her a lot more.

--------------


Those were really the people I talked to on day one, I had a lot minor conversations with people, but that was pretty much it.



I'll update more later, right now, I'm gonna go take a jog or something.

 

[PhatE1vis]

Nice job, JAG.

One thought: why not associate some dates or timeframes with your immediate goals to help you stay focused? Like, meet 10 people by Saturday, run 1 mile/day this week, eat fast food no more than once this month, etc. etc.

It always helps me to focus if I have specific goals.

 

[wolf116]

I'd say loosing weight is the most important thing ATM. It should be your mission! Still have other goals but this shows a lot about your laziness to girls.

Ask the guys at Health and Fitness. I could give you some good tips but there are some great trainers there. You will need to rite up a food and training log like you are with this.

Some quick tips.

1. drink only water and green tea(no sugar)
2. get off junk food(start with sugar) and video games
3. find a new hobby so you don't have time to play video games (boxing)
4. light morning cardio, say 30mins before breakfast.
5. eat 6 small meals a day
6. do not eat carbs after 3pm (that includes sugar)

You need to go shopping with you mum and pack your own lunch.

This is just the start.

You will hate dieting at the start but as you see yourself becoming fit you will love it.

 

[Just Another Guy....]

So..... I'm chillin on campus at the moment, figured I'd update what I'm doing....



I get up in the morning and eat cereal, and then head on over here. I sit through a few classes, and right now I have a 2 hour break. I just ate a salad, and I'm gonna be heading over to the rec center in a few minutes for a run or something. My classes are done already, but I'm gonna see if I can't talk to some people or something...... Anyway........ I also wanted to update you all on my list of flaws......



My weight it still dropping... I'm very excited, I'm so close to getting under 200 pounds...

I've been talking to tons of new people, and I've even got my sights on this one girl I've met.... hopefully I'll see her in a few minutes.

I've done a lot about my teeth in only a few days.... firstly, I've stopped drinking coffee. Secondly, I went out and bought a few things...

1. New tooth brushes (3)
2. Whitening toothpaste
3. Crest Whitestrips
4. Flossing things.
5. I've began brushing after everything I eat, and when I go to bed. I'm brushing 5-6 times a day. Can I overkill this?

I have stopped eating after 5pm unless I get really hungry. It's generally something green though, and I have NOT had Oreos, Doritoes, candy or fast food for 2 weeks now.





So, I'm doing pretty good. I've also went to a stylist and got my hair cut, I'll post some before and after pics tonight when I get home if anyone is interested. I went to American Eagle earlier today, picked up 2 hats, a necklace, 2 undershirts, and 4 polos, for a total of 72 dollars. I was happy about that!

What else cosmetically should I include in my apperance..... I currently have...

A watch
A Class Ring (should I wear this?)
A few different belts (I need some lighter colored ones)
A lot of nice polos
A lot of nice jeans/shorts, but still need more jeans.
I have a key lanyard, which looks pretty sweet.
Glasses..... I really want contacts. Now that I got my hair cut, and I take my glasses off, I really can see potential, but I can't see literally, without my glasses.


That's pretty much it. What else would you guys say I should add to my appearance to improve on it? Tonight I'm gonna take some pics and show you, hopefully people will be able to help me a little more...


I do need some shoes, just kind of a note for myself here.

 

[Just Another Guy....]

Bumping this in hopes some people will give me suggestions. Going shopping....


Oh, and amazing news. Tomorrow I am getting a cell phone! Yay!

 

[wolf116]

hey man great stuff!! Don't brush more ten 3 times a day. A dentist told me it scrubs the enamel off your teeth.

Do you have a hobby? Playing a sport will get you new friends and lose you weight.

Posture, overweight ppl often have bad posture. A good posture will give you confidence.

 

[Just Another Guy....]

So.... later tonight I'm getting my cell! Yes!

Anyway, I've finished up my homework and I'm kinda relaxing right now before I head out to class.




Last night was pretty sweet, this local store closed except to students, and we got to go in and get stuff cheap, free stuff..... etc. It was pretty sweet. I walked around pretty much the whole time playing Guitar Hero occasionally (that's like the only game I play anymore) and talking to some people. I got some new tennis shoes, and I'm getting some new shoes to hang out in today, and I plan on picking up a necklace from somewhere. I got a new shirt last night too.

Anyway, just thought I'd update my cosmetic improvements with those few things.....

I even got a few looks from nobody I'd really wanna talk to, but even still, that's an improvement.

 

[saber]

Hey sounds like you are doing great.
Definately keep working on the physical appearances but it sounds like you don't need any advice on what to do for that.( personally I would take a picture or videotape myself to get a third person perspective)
My only advice is be persistant and learn everything you can about kino<-(used to be my biggest sticking point).I think it is probably the biggest problem for someone who is un-experienced.
Best of luck!

 

[Just Another Guy....]

Thanks Saber. I'm gonna go workout and update this later tonight after I get my cell.

 

[B4IFURU18?]

JAG -

Give me some time, but I'm going to go through and individually address every character point you have listed. I'm not sure why I'm taking the time to do this, I guess I like helping people out.

 

[Just Another Guy....]

JAG -

Give me some time, but I'm going to go through and individually address every character point you have listed. I'm not sure why I'm taking the time to do this, I guess I like helping people out.

Awesome, thanks man.


Anyway, tonight I went and got my cell! FTW. Activated and everything.... I'm so happy.

 

[Just Another Guy....]

Alright, today I have to work, but afterwards I'm gonna head over to campus and see what's going on. Anyway, I figured I'd update.....


I haven't seen this girl I talk to at orientation since orientation, I like her a lot, and would definately enjoy getting to know her more. I need someway to run across her on campus. She has class on Monday - Thursday, but that's all I know. I don't know times or anything. I'm gonna be going to all of the football games in hopes of running into her.

 

[B4IFURU18?]

The Bad

-I get lazy about doing things I don't want to. I get lazy about working hard, and doing things I don't like to do. Although, I generally tag along and do them anyway, I go in with a bad attitude about whatever activity it is.

I think this is common for almost everyone. Who wants to give 100% when it involves something you don't enjoy? I wouldn't worry about this so much.

-I'm embaressed by my weight. I feel like I'm a lot bigger than I am. My friends always tell me I'm not fat anymore, rather I'm just a big guy, but I can't convince myself of that, and I feel so much bigger than everyone else. This is one of the things that does hold me back.

This is because you're so used to how you looked prior to losing weight. Your mind is tricking you, when in actuality your friends are right. 75% of the population is overweight, maybe more, understand that. Realize you CAN lose all that weight if you want to. Look at the profiled guys in Men's Health mags. Some of those dudes have lost 200lbs. You're no different, and you're probably obsessing about it TOO much. Relax, you're fine.

-I'm shy. I get nervous when I first meet someone. I don't know why, because I'm not afraid of rejection, I just get scared opening up to someone, and I get nervous about learning about new people, I don't know why.

Perhaps sub-consciously you're afraid of rejection. That or your insecurity about your weight is looming in the back of your mind. You'll get over it. Force yourself to.

-I lack a cell phone. It seems that a cell is a necessity for storing numbers and talking to everyone, but I don't have one. Although starting college and being on campus, I am planning on getting on VERY soon.

Sounds like you fixed that problem.

-I don't have very good social skills. I have trouble with opening questions, which is part of the reason I am shy. I am doing a lot of reading on here, and other various sites though, so hopefully that will help, but any tips are greatly appreciated.

Just gotta force yourself to open up. Relax, take a few breathes before you go in. Talk slow, talk clear, and you'll make sense. Just relax and have fun with it. It's not what you say, it's how you say it.

The Ugly

-I have lost weight, but I'm still not satisfied with my current weight. I am extremely happy I have lost as much weight as I have, but I want to lose more.

Then lose more. Keep working your ass off, and it'll pay big. It's hard for me to relate to this because I'm thin. But I think you're mentally tough enough to accomplish your goals. Think about the results when you meet your goal; all the women, compliments, etc. It's going to be awesome.

-My teeth and breath. I had braces for 5 years, so my teeth are extremely straight, but I am a coffee drinker in the morning, and my teeth are..... not white. I'm sure this doesn't help my breath, so I'm going to start some Whitestrips or something. Does anyone have suggestions on things that work well?

I'm with you here. I think my teeth are a bit stained. However, I've gotten compliments from women on them. Not sure why, but hey, whatever. Sounds like you have a plan.

-I have a problem with over eating. The problem lies when I eat while I'm doing something else. Playing video games, or surfing the new or something. I have cut down on my this though, by telling my mom to not buy Doritoes, Oreos, and those snacks that I really like. I haven't found something to replace them though, because I have found that I am not hungry at night, and most of the time I ate because I was bored.

I eat A LOT, like 6 or 7 times a day. But, I eat in small portions. Fit 12 grain whole wheat toast with chunky peanut butter into your diet. Lean meats and nuts (almonds) are especially good for you. It's not hard to eat healthy, it takes self control.

-I eat terrible at my job, and I'm afraid it will carry over to school. I work at a grocery store stocking shelves, right next to Wendy's and McDonalds. I go there way too much, and on campus, there is Wendy's, McDonalds, KFC, Taco Bell..... etc.... So, my self control is in question.

Knock this **** off. I know it's convenient, but it's not healthy. If you keep a poor diet, you're going to keep the weight, and if you keep the weight, you're going to keep the insecurity. See a trend here? It's not a good one. Have some self control and make yourself eat healthier.

-I have no one to do this with. That's why I finally registered here, and plan on changing my habits.

This is tough. Not a lot of guys like discussing self improvement with women. Meet some cool guys in classes, they're there. If you improve yourself, and have an upbeat attitude about life, people will recognize, and they will want to be your friend. You can accomplish this.

-I have no dating experience whatsoever. I've never been on a date, kissed a girl, (obviously never had sex) and I've never gotten a girls number before. Wow, typing that really made me realize how much I wasted high school, and how much I really want to change.

This comes with time, hard work, and effort. Work on improving your inner game, lay a foundation, and then worry about other people. Getting numbers is very easy, I guarantee you could go out tonight, fire up a conversation with a girl, and get her number.

Take it in stride. Introduction > Conversation > Laughing > Light Kino (not completely necessary, but always good) > Conclusion > Number

Girls give their numbers out all the time, don't worry, it's not like you're asking her to tell you about her yeast infection.

Good luck and feel free to ask questions. PM me if you feel like it.

Peace,

Tony

 

[Just Another Guy....]

Thanks a lot man! That really helps me get some confidence, and some outside opinions on me can never hurt.

Anyway, I'm gonna do one more week of intense cardio workouts in hopes of dropping under 200! After that, I'm gonna start lifting!

Anyway, I've started eating some fruits at breakfast, but I'm wondering what are some good recommendations?

Tomorrow I am going to begin a review of my flaws, and what I've done so far to improve them. Meanwhile, I have an essay to English to type....

 

[B4IFURU18?]

Read the fitness forum on here.

Here are a couple breakfast recipes that I like:

-Scramble 3 egg whites, and 1 egg yolk, season with a pinch of salt, and pepper.
-Add a small handful of fat free cheese, regular cheese is fine too, just don't go overboard
-Diced tomatoes
-Diced olives
-2 oz shredded ham

Scramble all of this together, and place in a warm flour tortilla. Add salsa or hot sauce for extra flavor.

or

-Toast two slices of whole wheat bread (I love the Dakota style multi grain)
-One egg sunny side up
-One Kraft single
-Salt and pepper

Place this between the bread and have yourself a nice egg mcmuffin.

or

-Toast two pieces of wheat bread
-Dice up a banana
-Couple tablespoons of chunky peanut butter

Throw the bananas on the peanut butter bread

 

[Just Another Guy....]

Alright, just thought I'd update. My last weigh in was 207.1. Today's was 203.9.



I get so excited stepping on the scale in anticipation of a lower number.

Anyway, My flaw review is almost done, should be up tonight or tomorrow.