Comments on: Where Has the Motivation Gone? http://www.sonofgrok.com/2009/07/where-has-the-motivation-gone/ Primal Man living in a Modern World Fri, 30 Jul 2010 20:46:07 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 By: Son Of Grok http://www.sonofgrok.com/2009/07/where-has-the-motivation-gone/comment-page-1/#comment-10114 Son Of Grok Fri, 24 Jul 2009 20:12:23 +0000 http://www.sonofgrok.com/?p=1140#comment-10114 Katie, Your post did not get lost. :-) My first piece of advice would be to unplug from it for a while. You said the part about re-reading the same info and i can totally relate to it. You know the principles... follow them on your own and adapt them to you. I think that is what is getting lost in all the rush of the hype. No two primal lifestyle has to be exactly the same. There is no set mold but there are base plans or ideas. I think if you compared my exact diet and exercise routine to some of the other bloggers, success stories and even Mark, you will find them very different. We all may follow the same general ideas and principles but we make them work for us in different ways. I have always been a huge proponent of making primal work for you anot the other way around. That may be why it is so seemless and easy for me. As to the piece on the passive aggressive eating, I would say that maybe you (and certain other people) are doing this for the wrong reason. I would ask you to evaluate your motivation and whether it is in the right place. For me, i am doing this for myself... I don't really feel like I have a whole lot to prove to everyone else. For example... even though i am not a big fan of the primal community and the direction it is going, that does not mean I personally am going to stop the healthy practices that i have started... it just means that I might withdraw a bit from that community. My habits and health are still ultimately about me and not about them. I would hate to jump to conclusions but it sounds like you may be doing this for your boyfriend and maybe you feel like you have to prove it wrong or right. In the end... if you like it, do it... for yourself. Make it yours. Look at what works for you and what doesn't. I am not one of those you can only eat X amount of y and A numbers of Bs. Make it work for you. My wife eats mre fruit than I do... I don't eat her lunch for that... it works for her. I don't eat brocolli even though it is considered an amazing paleo food... because I still hate the crap no matter how hard I try lol. Katie,

Your post did not get lost. :-)
My first piece of advice would be to unplug from it for a while. You said the part about re-reading the same info and i can totally relate to it. You know the principles… follow them on your own and adapt them to you. I think that is what is getting lost in all the rush of the hype. No two primal lifestyle has to be exactly the same. There is no set mold but there are base plans or ideas. I think if you compared my exact diet and exercise routine to some of the other bloggers, success stories and even Mark, you will find them very different. We all may follow the same general ideas and principles but we make them work for us in different ways. I have always been a huge proponent of making primal work for you anot the other way around. That may be why it is so seemless and easy for me.

As to the piece on the passive aggressive eating, I would say that maybe you (and certain other people) are doing this for the wrong reason. I would ask you to evaluate your motivation and whether it is in the right place. For me, i am doing this for myself… I don’t really feel like I have a whole lot to prove to everyone else. For example… even though i am not a big fan of the primal community and the direction it is going, that does not mean I personally am going to stop the healthy practices that i have started… it just means that I might withdraw a bit from that community. My habits and health are still ultimately about me and not about them. I would hate to jump to conclusions but it sounds like you may be doing this for your boyfriend and maybe you feel like you have to prove it wrong or right.

In the end… if you like it, do it… for yourself. Make it yours. Look at what works for you and what doesn’t. I am not one of those you can only eat X amount of y and A numbers of Bs. Make it work for you. My wife eats mre fruit than I do… I don’t eat her lunch for that… it works for her. I don’t eat brocolli even though it is considered an amazing paleo food… because I still hate the crap no matter how hard I try lol.

]]> By: Katie http://www.sonofgrok.com/2009/07/where-has-the-motivation-gone/comment-page-1/#comment-10113 Katie Fri, 24 Jul 2009 19:08:51 +0000 http://www.sonofgrok.com/?p=1140#comment-10113 I'm not the kind of person that normally posts comments, and judging by the number of responses you've got, this may get lost in the shuffle. But this post really hit home for me. You are probably tired of hearing people's stories (it seems to be part of the "Paleo" trend to tell them), but for some reason I feel compelled to tell you mine. Maybe it's because I think you might be able to relate, and maybe offer some advice. See, while I really believe in Paleo/Ev Fitness, I'm not feeling very motivated anymore... For you, Paleo has become second nature, something you really believe in, and yet you've voiced some criticism. I am fairly new to Paleo/Ev Fitness (Feb 09). It was something I decided to try when I started dating someone who has been doing it for several years. I was already eating healthy and I was happy with my body, so it was never about losing weight for me. Rather, my boyfriend was so passionate about it that I decided to try it to better understand why. At first I was really excited about it, reading the blogs, working really hard to "stick to the plan." I would get excited when I did well, and scold myself when I "failed." Typical dieter behavior (something I've never been). I subscribed to every blog I could find, reading the science, the "rules," the workout suggestions, and the recipes. I couldn't get enough. But after a month or two I got tired of it - not of paleo, but of the EFFORT it took. It is constant work - learning about paleo, relearning how to cook, fighting cravings, reading food labels (shopping takes forever), trying to eat out/with friends while staying paleo, learning new exercises, creating focused workouts... After six months it's gotten easier, but it's still a lot of work. What's interesting is that I do understand why people are so enthusiastic about it. I see the benefits, the logic of it. But I've completely lost my motivation (a feeling that, as you know, isn't fun). I'm TIRED of having to think so hard. I'm tired of reading about it - as you said, it's the same articles over and over. I'm tired of the "popularity" of it, which feels almost religious... It seems like there is a line - there are those who've made it (and like yourself, no longer need to think about it, no longer struggle with the lifestyle changes) and those who are constantly working on it. Many of those who've made it - the gurus, the bloggers, the 'success stories' - preach the benefits, giving motivating speeches and pushing others to be as awesome as they are. And then those who are still learning - they all want to talk about how much it is changing their lives, how HARD they are working to accomplish their goals. And for the most part, this is good, this encouraging, positive community. But lately, it just feels like pressure. Pressure to succeed, pressure to work really hard. Like you said, it feels competitive - who can be the most hardcore paleo, who can come up with the most innovative recipes, etc. And more than that, it feels like a moral judgment or an exclusive club - as if this is the ONLY "right" way, and that doing Paleo makes you a good person (somehow better than your average American). Like I said, I really do believe in paleo. Yet lately, I would be lying if I claimed to be following it. At first it was just that I was going through a stressful few weeks so I relaxed the rules a little. I would have a sandwich because I was too busy to cook or sit down for a meal. I always intended to get back “on-track” once those weeks were over. But now, I find myself "rebellion eating" - I will come across an article that hits me the wrong way (especially ones that are overly-encouraging or judgmental) and suddenly feel the need to stuff myself with the highest sugar-carb content food I can find. After reading an article about how wheat is addictive (and thus, it’s NORMAL to struggle with giving it, but don’t worry you CAN do it), I promptly ate an entire package of break-and-bake cookies… a big “screw-you.” And yes, I know that this passive-aggressive eating only hurts me. I want to get back to Paleo - I love how it makes me feel healthier and I have more energy - but I can’t stop feeling ANGRY and sick of it all. I’m sorry, this has gotten VERY long. Do you have any thoughts on this? Any suggestions for getting past this? I’m not the kind of person that normally posts comments, and judging by the number of responses you’ve got, this may get lost in the shuffle. But this post really hit home for me.
You are probably tired of hearing people’s stories (it seems to be part of the “Paleo” trend to tell them), but for some reason I feel compelled to tell you mine. Maybe it’s because I think you might be able to relate, and maybe offer some advice. See, while I really believe in Paleo/Ev Fitness, I’m not feeling very motivated anymore… For you, Paleo has become second nature, something you really believe in, and yet you’ve voiced some criticism.
I am fairly new to Paleo/Ev Fitness (Feb 09). It was something I decided to try when I started dating someone who has been doing it for several years. I was already eating healthy and I was happy with my body, so it was never about losing weight for me. Rather, my boyfriend was so passionate about it that I decided to try it to better understand why.
At first I was really excited about it, reading the blogs, working really hard to “stick to the plan.” I would get excited when I did well, and scold myself when I “failed.” Typical dieter behavior (something I’ve never been). I subscribed to every blog I could find, reading the science, the “rules,” the workout suggestions, and the recipes. I couldn’t get enough.
But after a month or two I got tired of it – not of paleo, but of the EFFORT it took. It is constant work – learning about paleo, relearning how to cook, fighting cravings, reading food labels (shopping takes forever), trying to eat out/with friends while staying paleo, learning new exercises, creating focused workouts… After six months it’s gotten easier, but it’s still a lot of work.
What’s interesting is that I do understand why people are so enthusiastic about it. I see the benefits, the logic of it. But I’ve completely lost my motivation (a feeling that, as you know, isn’t fun). I’m TIRED of having to think so hard. I’m tired of reading about it – as you said, it’s the same articles over and over. I’m tired of the “popularity” of it, which feels almost religious…
It seems like there is a line – there are those who’ve made it (and like yourself, no longer need to think about it, no longer struggle with the lifestyle changes) and those who are constantly working on it. Many of those who’ve made it – the gurus, the bloggers, the ‘success stories’ – preach the benefits, giving motivating speeches and pushing others to be as awesome as they are. And then those who are still learning – they all want to talk about how much it is changing their lives, how HARD they are working to accomplish their goals. And for the most part, this is good, this encouraging, positive community. But lately, it just feels like pressure. Pressure to succeed, pressure to work really hard. Like you said, it feels competitive – who can be the most hardcore paleo, who can come up with the most innovative recipes, etc. And more than that, it feels like a moral judgment or an exclusive club – as if this is the ONLY “right” way, and that doing Paleo makes you a good person (somehow better than your average American).
Like I said, I really do believe in paleo. Yet lately, I would be lying if I claimed to be following it. At first it was just that I was going through a stressful few weeks so I relaxed the rules a little. I would have a sandwich because I was too busy to cook or sit down for a meal. I always intended to get back “on-track” once those weeks were over. But now, I find myself “rebellion eating” – I will come across an article that hits me the wrong way (especially ones that are overly-encouraging or judgmental) and suddenly feel the need to stuff myself with the highest sugar-carb content food I can find. After reading an article about how wheat is addictive (and thus, it’s NORMAL to struggle with giving it, but don’t worry you CAN do it), I promptly ate an entire package of break-and-bake cookies… a big “screw-you.” And yes, I know that this passive-aggressive eating only hurts me. I want to get back to Paleo – I love how it makes me feel healthier and I have more energy – but I can’t stop feeling ANGRY and sick of it all.
I’m sorry, this has gotten VERY long. Do you have any thoughts on this? Any suggestions for getting past this?

]]> By: Dunc http://www.sonofgrok.com/2009/07/where-has-the-motivation-gone/comment-page-1/#comment-10064 Dunc Thu, 23 Jul 2009 12:43:45 +0000 http://www.sonofgrok.com/?p=1140#comment-10064 Totally agree with you Sisson rocks, forum sucks I think it was Alan Watts who said something along the lines of once you get the message, just hang up the phone Totally agree with you

Sisson rocks, forum sucks

I think it was Alan Watts who said something along the lines of once you get the message, just hang up the phone

]]> By: Lauren B http://www.sonofgrok.com/2009/07/where-has-the-motivation-gone/comment-page-1/#comment-9929 Lauren B Mon, 20 Jul 2009 03:18:50 +0000 http://www.sonofgrok.com/?p=1140#comment-9929 SoG, I love having a real life example of what the primal lifestyle can do for someone! Your site has an organic, homespun feel--and I mean that in a good way. The layout isn't so flashy as to be overwhelming or sterile, and your personal accounts are refreshing. Keep up the primal blogging! SoG, I love having a real life example of what the primal lifestyle can do for someone! Your site has an organic, homespun feel–and I mean that in a good way. The layout isn’t so flashy as to be overwhelming or sterile, and your personal accounts are refreshing. Keep up the primal blogging!

]]> By: Newbie http://www.sonofgrok.com/2009/07/where-has-the-motivation-gone/comment-page-1/#comment-9834 Newbie Sun, 19 Jul 2009 14:21:17 +0000 http://www.sonofgrok.com/?p=1140#comment-9834 Hey :) If people are ripping you off, at least it means you're worth ripping; AND that they've nothing better themselves! A slight comfort perhaps. Says the ex-school-nerd who *hated* being copied....! I just wanted to echo what has been said already, your blog is so much more personal and friendly, a chat over the fence if you will. I remember asking a question about a recipe and was pleasantly surprised by a personal response! With the bigger forums, yeah people will jump on and off the bandwagon. I had been getting sucked into the minute details of everything- I have a few queries posted up at MDA, mostly because so many folk are convinced they have *the* exact solution that I started wondering if I was doing it wrong! So thank you for this blog, it will save me panicking over tomatoes (!). And I got bored of fitday within the week, once it had illustrated a few points. (Not rubbishing MDA - my inner nerd enjoys reading the in depth stuff every so often) So here's to everyone finding their own paths, and if they cross then let's have a good gossip, not an argument! PS - please keep up the amazing recipes! I'd rather have an occasional "wow" than a constant stream of mediocrity. Hey :)

If people are ripping you off, at least it means you’re worth ripping; AND that they’ve nothing better themselves! A slight comfort perhaps. Says the ex-school-nerd who *hated* being copied….!

I just wanted to echo what has been said already, your blog is so much more personal and friendly, a chat over the fence if you will. I remember asking a question about a recipe and was pleasantly surprised by a personal response!

With the bigger forums, yeah people will jump on and off the bandwagon. I had been getting sucked into the minute details of everything- I have a few queries posted up at MDA, mostly because so many folk are convinced they have *the* exact solution that I started wondering if I was doing it wrong! So thank you for this blog, it will save me panicking over tomatoes (!). And I got bored of fitday within the week, once it had illustrated a few points. (Not rubbishing MDA – my inner nerd enjoys reading the in depth stuff every so often)

So here’s to everyone finding their own paths, and if they cross then let’s have a good gossip, not an argument!

PS – please keep up the amazing recipes! I’d rather have an occasional “wow” than a constant stream of mediocrity.

]]> By: MelaJoy http://www.sonofgrok.com/2009/07/where-has-the-motivation-gone/comment-page-1/#comment-9778 MelaJoy Sat, 18 Jul 2009 20:38:35 +0000 http://www.sonofgrok.com/?p=1140#comment-9778 Short and Sweet...You're awesome, you're site is awesome ;-) Short and Sweet…You’re awesome, you’re site is awesome ;-)

]]> By: lm http://www.sonofgrok.com/2009/07/where-has-the-motivation-gone/comment-page-1/#comment-9759 lm Sat, 18 Jul 2009 04:47:41 +0000 http://www.sonofgrok.com/?p=1140#comment-9759 Just went to ur site Shelley and your photographs are amazing. You have a gift. Just went to ur site Shelley and your photographs are amazing. You have a gift.

]]> By: Shelley http://www.sonofgrok.com/2009/07/where-has-the-motivation-gone/comment-page-1/#comment-9745 Shelley Fri, 17 Jul 2009 17:59:42 +0000 http://www.sonofgrok.com/?p=1140#comment-9745 Sometimes, reading too much about what other people have to say can really drain the life out of something that might otherwise capture your imagination. Just stick to doing your own thing and don't worry about the 'primal community' or whatever. Screw it! :) P.S. I like your site. Sometimes, reading too much about what other people have to say can really drain the life out of something that might otherwise capture your imagination. Just stick to doing your own thing and don’t worry about the ‘primal community’ or whatever. Screw it! :)

P.S. I like your site.

]]> By: julie http://www.sonofgrok.com/2009/07/where-has-the-motivation-gone/comment-page-1/#comment-9689 julie Thu, 16 Jul 2009 19:07:06 +0000 http://www.sonofgrok.com/?p=1140#comment-9689 You are still the original and the Awesom-est. Don't sweat it. You are still the original and the Awesom-est. Don’t sweat it.

]]> By: meeses http://www.sonofgrok.com/2009/07/where-has-the-motivation-gone/comment-page-1/#comment-9681 meeses Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:28:53 +0000 http://www.sonofgrok.com/?p=1140#comment-9681 I found I can't deal with the forums, personally. But I do come back here for inspiration and recipes. :-) If you are living primal and simply don't like the current climate of the interwebs, so be it! You'll be missed, but if it's no longer enjoyable for you, there's no point, is there? I found I can’t deal with the forums, personally. But I do come back here for inspiration and recipes. :-) If you are living primal and simply don’t like the current climate of the interwebs, so be it! You’ll be missed, but if it’s no longer enjoyable for you, there’s no point, is there?

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