In more egotistical terms, I am a man of brilliance and bullshit (words chosen for alliterative purpose only). And while I like to be hailed for my “brilliance”, I also need to be called on my bullshit from time to time.

In recent days, I have been taken to task for not working out enough, allowing too many off days, weighing in more or less than I said I would and at different times than I said I would, and basically having too little willpower to follow conventional weight-loss methods to a tee.

I can’t disagree with any of that. But when people notice that, it sets off that “Oh yeah?!” trigger inside of me, and I end up rethinking my plans. However, many times I simply come to the conclusion that I am doing what is best for me right now. So maybe having “unofficial” weigh-ins on Wednesday or Thursday is total bullshit and goes against what I said I would do, but sometimes I want to know how I am doing in the middle of the week. (By the way, as of this morning, I “unofficially” weigh 274.8, “unofficially” .2 pounds less than my lowest 100 Days weight.)

Likewise, I may not have the willpower to follow conventional weight-loss means, but I see the scales and know that the boulder is rolling down the hill, so why not let it go? With that conclusion, I get the added bonus of showing people that willpower isn’t necessarily the most important characteristic in the weight loss process (in fact, I believe the most important characteristic is motivation. My theory: Motivation breeds willpower. You can’t have the latter without the former).

But when someone says “hey asshole, do you realize how much sodium and carbs you are taking in each day?” I always think about my intake of sodium and carbs. And if I agree that there is too much intake of either, then I make the necessary adjustment.

That’s why negative comments are so valuable. They force you to assess and, if necessary, refine your approach. Without negative comments, I think I would be much further behind.

I have one regular negative commenter, and she means a lot to me. She’s been there from the start, though she did take a break for a few weeks for unknown reasons. But she resurfaced on Day 55, and I am very grateful for that.

Her pseudonym is Purple Tigress, and she very well may absolutely hate my guts. But she keeps on reading, probably for the same reason I read a Dean Koontz book every once in a while. In short, she probably thinks I am a hack, but can’t wait to catch the train-wreck in progress.