How to Stay Motivated Towards Your Weight Loss Goals
One of the hardest parts of trying to lose weight is staying motivated long enough to reach your goals. When you are starting out you have an idea of how much weight you would like to lose or what size clothes you would want to fit back into. But after that many people are not sure what to do or how to keep going week after week or month after month. You need to think about the benefits you will have by slimming down.
If you aren’t clear on the benefits you will gain from losing weight, it’s going to be harder for you to stick to your weight loss plan because it will seem like too much hard work.
The following exercise will help you tune into the positive changes that losing weight will create in your life, which can be a great help in staying motivated.
Grab a blank sheet of paper and a pen, and write your goal at the top of the page. (Example: Weigh 140 pounds; Wear a size 7 dress; slim down while building some muscle; etc.)
Now, below that heading, write down the ways achieving such a goal would benefit you and make your life better.
For Example:
“I can become a personal trainer and inspire others with my weight loss story.”
“I will feel confident enough to finally meet Mr./Miss Right.”
“I will be able to wear outfits that make me feel good.”
“I will easily fit in airplane seats and restaurant booths.”
“I will have more energy to pursue other goals.”
“I will feel really good about myself.”
“I will feel adventurous and travel more often.”
“I will have the strength and stamina to keep up with my kids.”
With each item you write on your list, take a few minutes to really focus on it and imagine how great it will be to actually experience it. How would such an experience make you feel? Why does it feel so good? How big of a contrast exists between that experience, and what you are living right now?
As you focus on these fun scenarios, you will feel your excitement and confidence growing - even though you haven’t yet begun to live them. You will be strengthening your desire to live them, however, and that will translate into strong commitment. Have you ever noticed that goals are easy to achieve when you want them really, really badly?
Weight loss is no different! Want it badly, be absolutely determined to achieve it, stay motivated and committed to your plan, and before you know it, you’ll reach your health goals!