Dear *|FNAME|*,

I stepped on the scale the day after Thanksgiving and I was shocked. I shouldn’t have been, but I was.  My weight had ballooned back up to 194 pounds with a waist size pushing 40 inches. I’m five feet ten inches tall. The ideal weight for someone my height is about 173 pounds with a waist size of 35 inches or below.
 
I had been wearing baggy pants and untucked shirts for about a year. I’d cross my arms or fold my hands in front of my belly when I sat down (to keep the gap between the shirt buttons from being visible). Of course, these attempts at subterfuge didn’t work, but they made me feel a little better. 
 
Now, the day after the biggest eating event of the year, I was stunned to realize that my bad habits had pushed me to a level of obesity I hadn’t seen in recent memory.  
 
This weight was not my all time high. When I was in my early thirties, I had tipped the scale at over 200 pounds. I got back into shape then because people kept telling me I was “too young to be that heavy.” Now, at 51 years old, people seemed to just accept the fact that I was a fat bastard. In fact, few people said anything at all. 
 
But I had enough. I was tired of getting out of breath while walking up stairs. I couldn’t work out and spar with my 11-year-old son without being sore for a week. And my general wellbeing (cholesterol, blood pressure, and energy level) and the image in the mirror were unacceptable. 
 
So, I began the long journey back to fitness.  
 
I connected with a nutritionist and developed a healthier eating plan I could sustain over time. I developed a low-impact exercise plan I could consistently execute. And I began what I knew would be a slow and methodical process during the holiday season. Convenient timing has never been one of my gifts, and let’s face it, there is never an ideal time to lose 30 pounds. 
 
I’m two months into this process and I’ve lost 21 pounds and four inches off my waistline. My weight goal is less important to me than fitting into size 34 pants I was able to wear just 18 months ago. I estimate with this level of effort and discipline, I can be at that point in about one month. 
 
This got me thinking about life and business. 
 
I didn’t make changes in my habits until I was so uncomfortable that I couldn’t stand it any longer. That number on the scale was the shock I needed to jolt me back into better eating and exercise. I’m fortunate I didn’t need a health incident to motivate me. 
 
This happens in business as well. 
 
As an independent consultant, my income is tied to the effort I put into developing relationships, demonstrating value, and making my clients successful. If I don’t reach out to new people and offer to help them, my business (and my income) doesn’t grow. 
 
The same thing is true for you.
 
If you don’t adopt good habits and stick with them, your business won’t grow. 
 
This email that I send you once each week, this conversation that we have, is a way to keep you on track. It is a gentle reminder that you have permission to offer your services to people. I dare say, you have an obligation to offer to help people. Just like you have an obligation to yourself to eat right and exercise. 
 
Yeah, that’s guilt I’m using to get you to fulfill your potential.
 
Here’s the thing: While I’d love to be rich, brilliant, and thin, that desire doesn’t motivate me as much as the fear of being broke, stupid, and dead at a young age.
 
The lesson I’ve taken away from my latest fight with obesity is: 
 
My motivation to survive has shaken me from my comfort zone and I’ve changed my habits. I’m hopeful this email we get you to reassess your habits from a business perspective and make some changes to make 2020 your best year ever. 
 
Have a great week.
 
Regards,
 
Dave Lorenzo
 
Revenue Growth Expert
Toll Free:   (888) 444-5150
Miami, FL: (786) 436-1986

Email:  DLorenzo@DLorenzo.com
Website: DaveLorenzo.com
 
 
P.S.  I value our relationship so please reply with your feedback or just to say “hello.”
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