According to my plans I am supposed to weigh 242 lbs by now. Presently I am sitting at 251. As a result I have been beating myself up pretty good. I have traveled quite a bit this past month, and I know that must have something to do with it. Then the next thing I know, I'm yelling at myself in my own head for making excuses. Yeah, I have issues.

But then it happened, a little clarity. While walking upstairs after training the other morning I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. I saw the burgeoning shape of a biceps peak and my stomach wasn't pushing out my shirt. Guess what, I liked what I saw.

For as long as I can remember, my arms have had no shape at all. Along with that, my gut often entered a room before the rest of me did. Well, that's not the case anymore, and I am stopping to take time and appreciate it.

Upon further reflection, I think about how I have trimmed close to 12 inches off my waist. A couple of years ago a huge goal for me was not to weigh in the 300's. Now I am pissed when I get over 250. Putting things in perspective, there's definitely reason to celebrate. I feel great and am starting to look pretty good as far as I'm concerned.

Battling the bulge is a tough fight for many of us.There's an ebb and flow to losing weight. Hell, not gaining weight sometimes can be an accomplishment.

So if you are doing things right, but don't see it on the scale, try looking elsewhere. Are you fitting better in your clothes? Have you been getting compliments? Are you wearing your lifting belt one notch tighter? Do you look better to yourself in the mirror? Do you see a new vein sneaking out somewhere on your body? Then take time to praise yourself, you deserve it. Remember, it is important to love yourself. Just don't do it in public, that can get you arrested.