4u2jumpstart begins with a boost

When I first had to use jumper cables to get my car started, the image of transferring energy from one to another was incredible. It was a complicated process remembering which cable went where. We as humans need that connection to sometimes give us a quick boost so that we have new energy. Whilst my story starts with "weight" it is the transfer of energy or the jumpstart that should be the takeaway message.

My 4u2jumpstart journey started when I was told by a family member that they were worried about my weight, so I started swimming laps at the gym. I swam and swam but I didn't seem to lose the weight...Then the next jumpstart happened.

A friend encouraged me to join her new weight loss programme. She gave me an awesome deal as she was starting a new venture. We met weekly. I had to be accountable and I was paying her so I didn't want to waste my money. She was an expert, who could guide and teach me. She gave me the information and the tools, all I had to do was follow her guidance.

Finally, I had an actionable plan. It took 8 weeks for me to start seeing results. The end of this chapter resulted in me losing weight and going from couch potato to swimming in a 3-kilometre open water race. I am smiling because this was all happening in my 40s.

The next jumpstart came out of the blue when I was retrenched. The thing that startled me was the silence! From going flat out (meetings, minutes, reports, emails, calls) to absolutely nothing, just quiet. I had to work through the indignity, embarrassment, anger and then absolute relief.

In truth, whilst I loved the energy of the corporate environment I was always looking for the time to start my own thing/hustle. I just never did because I had no time, money, energy. Through this jumpstart, I had to discover what I loved, was interested in (besides work) and who I was. I had to research and plan my next steps.

In every jumpstart I faced, I realised there are common themes 4u2jumpstart and they relate to your social media strategy:

• It's a journey that requires a first step and then you have to to keep going.

• You need to find what is useful and what works (don't just swim laps)

• Motivation is so important (not only from within).

• Plan ahead (Procrastination is a hideous beast).

• Schedule the time and then do it!

• It takes thought and it does take time.

• You will need to activate and engage.

• Research and reading will help you keep relevant.

• You need to find that coach or teacher with the right tools.