I am SO not a fan of this song nor am I a part of the “selfie” generation, but as a pushing-fifty-grown-up  I have to admit that “selfies” have their benefits:  1) You can keep trying till you get it right, 2) You don’t have to tap a random stranger on the shoulder and ask them to take your picture for you and 3) you can keep trying till you get it right…oh wait, I said that already.

When it comes to Facebook, I believe there’s unspoken “selfie” etiquette (and if there isn’t, shouldn’t  there be).?   We all know the “selfie” posters who come across as fans of themselves more than anything and most people would agree, THAT’S ANNOYING!

In fitness there is another type of photo that often blurs the line.  We call this picture the “progress” photo.  When I first started working with my trainer, I refused to take them: 1) Because I knew how I looked and I wasn’t happy about it and 2) I felt like seriously? I do not want a reminder!  In retrospect I’ve learned a couple of things about “progress” photos that you couldn’t have convinced me of before:

1. Progress photos establish a starting point.  Do you ever find yourself looking through old pictures when you’re trying to remember what you USED to look like?  I feel this way about my pregnancies…I missed so many opportunities to record what I realize now was an amazing time of transformation in my life.  I was so worried about such a small period of time in my life that I shied away from the camera.
2. The mind plays tricks on us.  We convince ourselves that all of our hard work has garnered us ZERO progress. If our clothes fit us more tightly we don’t think we’ve gained muscle.  Instead we tell ourselves that we’re complete failures, that other people have it easier, that our genetics are working against us. Progress photos dispel negative thinking by allowing us to see tangible proof of our hard work.  Sure, you’re not going to see significant changes in a short period of time, but give yourself a month, two months or more and you just may be surprised.
3. Progress photos help keep us accountable.  If I SAY I’m working hard but I’m secretly stuffing my face when nobody’s looking and eating celery sticks in public,  progress photos will call me out!  There’s a saying, “the camera doesn’t lie”.  Unless you’re using photo editing tools on your own pics (and what would be the point in that?)  you are going to have tangible proof of whether or not you’re actively working toward your goals.

Yes, there are many of us who have bared our most embarrassing images in the name of inspiring others, but that doesn’t mean YOU have to!  Progress photos are private.  NO ONE HAS TO SEE THEM BUT YOU! Whether you choose to keep your progress photos to yourself or share them with the world, the decision is YOURS.

Remember, progress photos are just a TOOL.

Okay, so, we’re finished here, right?  Good, ’cause I’m tired.  I mean, I really need to go to bed now. Oh wait, I have to brush my teeth first. And floss.  Okay, so, now that that’s done I can go to sleep, right?

…but first, let me take a “selfie”…