The On-Track System

As part of my attempt to qualify for the Boston Marathon, I've gotten very interested in fitness and weight loss. I have realized that the critical part of a diet isn't the diet, it's the self-discipline to follow the diet. Almost any diet will work if you follow it. It's been my experience and observation that you quit a diet because you get discouraged or distracted, not because you decide not to diet. At the same time, I've been reading a book called Self-Discipline in 10 days. Using some of the ideas from the book, plus other ideas from my father, I formed a self-discipline routine. It focuses on self-evaluation, self-discipline, habit formation, and positive self-talk. I explained it to Rita and she thought it was really good. She thought of a name for the program and encouraged me to write a formal description of it and then have her and other friends and family follow it. Thus the On-Track System was born.

The On-Track System is not a diet or exercise program. It is a system for applying self-discipline to reach and maintain a healthy body weight. It helps you stay on your chosen diet, no matter what that diet might be. I've mentioned the system to a few other people and everyone has seemed interested. The system hasn't been completely formed yet, but it is to the point where others can try it and give me feedback. Hopefully I'll be able to improve the system and document it enough that anyone will be able to follow it.

If it sounds interesting to you, and you are willing to give me feedback, I will send you what I have so far. For now, I have just an outline of the system, plus some daily checklists and other workbook-like materials. In the future I will supplement this with detailed instructions and tips.

Email me or leave a comment below if you want to give it a try.