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When we can, we don’t; when we have to, we can’t!

At 45, I was a successful architect heading JJA Architects. I had a fancy office, awards, marquee clients, featured on India Today, and recognition and respect in the industry. Now, at 55, I am a wellness strategist working to create women leaders.What caused the transformation? This “aha” moment did it for me: “When we can, we don’t; when we have to, we can’t!”

At 45, I came across as successful to the outside world. But on the inside, who was I? Overweight, diabetic, constantly hungry, always tired. Still, life just kept rolling along. Then all of a sudden, my high school friend went in to CCU because of a cardiac failure at 44; her heart was pumping at 30%. A common friend, who called me to let me know, told me:

When we can we don’t; when we have to, we can’t!

This was a turning point in my life—the “now or never” moment to become the person I always wanted to be. Easier said than done. How was I to get my weight, blood, and life back in order?

Jump-start the process, make a plan, and follow up on habits

I needed to jump-start the process to get some momentum and keep it going. I went to a rehab naturopathy centre for 10 days. After this, I knew that my initial 3-kg weight reduction would be short-lived if I did not follow it up with a plan (make a plan) and persistent action. I signed up for membership at a gym (follow up on habits) that was a two-minute walk from my house. I knew I would not keep up my resolve if I had to drive to the gym, fight the traffic, and hunt for a parking spot. The close proximity of the gym, where I could join a different exercise class each day, really kept my motivation up. Around this time, I also began to work with a nutritionist on my diet. Soon, my sugar levels started to fall, and I lowered my medication intake.

Constantly monitor progress

So, how did I monitor my progress? Of course, I checked my weight frequently, but the better indicator of my progress was a regular visit to West Side, the clothing store. I started off wearing XL clothes, and two or three months later, I fitted into L. Every three months, I made a pilgrimage to check my size, and when I dropped a size, I rewarded myself by buying a dress. Within a year, I fitted into an S size dress.

At this point, I needed to move on and challenge myself further. I downloaded a running app and started running with a friend. Within three months, I joined a marathon running group, and was enjoying the feel of the wind in my hair as I ran along trails and tracks. Then, at the insistence of a friend, I decided to challenge myself further and go on a high-altitude trek. Getting to Everest base camp (EBC) was a struggle, but those mountains changed me forever. I knew I no longer wanted to be an architect. After I got back from my EBC trek, just two months before I turned 50, I drew the curtains on my architectural practice.

Evolve into a new personality

Soon after I got myself certified as a wellness coach and a life coach. A year later, I was organising workshops and wellness programmes for women and I had become a wellness strategist. From this, Fit the Soul was born.

If you are at crossroads in your career, struggling with weight loss, or unable to kick a bad habit, here’s a good way to go: