Halloween seems like an appropriate time to let you know that I often compare myself to a Zombie. And not because I’m on a constant quest for “Brains… Brains…” – although certainly some might argue that a mission like that would be appropriate for moi. But no… For me, the ‘Zombie Comparison’ comes from my commitment to constantly moving – and often stumbling – forward, no matter what odds or circumstances I’m facing.

Picture, if you will, a Zombie in a field, stumbling toward its goal, one bumbling step at a time. Although this Zombie might be missing a limb or two or is even if being shot at, it just keeps on going. Kind of like The Energizer Bunny – although with more blood and guts. Still, there’s something to be admired about the Zombie’s drive. And that’s why I often liken myself to one of these creatures (even if it’s not All Hallow’s Eve).

Believe it or not, this comparison can be especially helpful if one has excess weight to lose. It’s tough to stay committed to one’s healthy eating regimen for a whole week only to step on the scale and see that you’ve “only” taken off 1/2 pound. Similarly, it’s sometimes tough to walk out the front door when you’re heavy, knowing that the world sees you as you are – and can likely figure out what one of your addictions is. (“Food… Food…”) To say nothing of walking by an Ice Cream Parlor and having to “Just say no” and keep on moving in the direction you’d originally intended.

And speaking of food, what happens if we accidentally fall off the wagon and end up consuming more than our fair share of fattening treats, only to feel tricked and overfull and then bloated the next morning (not to mention then being confronted with pants that refuse to fasten and/or zip up).

Again, this can all be compared to the life of a Zombie. After all, it’s not any easier to be a dieter than it is to be a Zombie. Think about it… Neither totally knows exactly what he or she is doing. And yet that Zombie just continues to stumble forward, sure that his or her goal will be worth it. And this is something we can definitely take a cue from – whether wanting to reach our goal weight or wanting to accomplish another goal in life.

Just as a Zombie is committed to stumbling forward and reaching those brains – even when being shot at, attacked or even pulled apart, torn limb from limb – we can do the same when facing our goal. Sure, we don’t always know what obstacles lie ahead of us (a tempting food commercial, a ‘friend’ who unknowingly sabotages our dieting efforts, a sale on candy the day after Halloween, etc.). But no matter what knocks us down, we have the option of considering it to be a temporary thing and then getting back up and recommitting to stumbling toward our goal. Because eventually – even when stumbling, as long as we’re moving forward – we’re going to reach our goal.

So this Halloween, whenever you happen to see a Zombie on TV, in a movie or at a costume party, take a moment to acknowledge that you have something in common with the walking dead. Of course, if you happen to see a real zombie, run (don’t stumble) the other way. After all, we need all of the brains that we can hold onto. Besides, the run will potentially do your heart some good.