Clear communication is an important goal in a world where it is so easy to be
misunderstood. It’s important to say things right, especially when you’re
giving out advice.

At one time during my career in fitness, I worked as a Nutrition Counselor. I met with many
different women and some men during that time. We worked on portion size,
exercise goals, and ways to aid weight loss.

One day, while meeting with one of my clients, who was retired and finding it hard to control
her weight gain, I asked her where she ate her meals. She told me she sat in
her favorite chair and watched TV while she ate. I told her she needed to find
another place to eat, so she wouldn’t be distracted and could pay attention to
what she was eating and how much she was eating, instead of watching TV.

The next time we met, two weeks later, she walked in with a big smile. She sat down. I asked her
how she was doing. She told me she was doing very well. She told me she had
done what I suggested.

She said, “I have replaced my old chair with a new one. That was such a good idea.”

“That’s good,” I said. “And are you eating at the table now?”

“Oh no,” she said,“I have my new chair. I like it very much. And I remembered that you told me to
find a different place to sit, so I moved the new chair a little farther back
from the TV. It’s so much more comfortable.”

“But you’re watching TV while you eat?” I said.

She nodded. “Ijust feel really good about it!”

Well, I wanted to tell her that her chair was not the problem. I should have said that watching TV while eating was the issue. And yet, she looked so happy. How could I spoil her joy? I decided to
wait and talk to her about it at our next appointment, and I will tell her, “No
TV while you are eating, even in your favorite chair!”

I see this as a failure to communicate. In the future, I will try to be more succinct. By the way, in my next post, I will discuss the importance of setting a good example for others.

For now, you’llhave to excuse me. It’s time for lunch and the TV news. I never miss it. LOL

Thanks for joiningme.