If you're the type who can lose ten pounds without trying, or if you just need to lose a couple of pounds to look better in your skinny jeans, motivation probably isn't a problem for you. By the time you're tired of working at losing weight, you're done. But then there's the rest of us, people with more than a few pounds to lose who need to keep up our weight loss motivation for the long haul.
Focus On The Journey, Not The Destination
When I was a kid, we used to take long vacations in the car. We always had a place we were aiming for, but half the fun was all the stops we took at landmarks and tourist traps on the way. Think of losing weight like a long, winding vacation trip. You have a destination in mind--a certain size or certain weight. You're most likely not going to get there overnight, though, and that can cause your motivation to disappear over time.
Instead of focusing on that destination, focus on the trip you're taking to get there. Set smaller goals that you can celebrate, like losing your first five pounds or walking your first mile. Enjoy sleeping better, feeling more energetic, or the music at the gym. You'll be more motivated if you're enjoying the journey, not fretting about the destination.
Reward Your Victories
As you journey toward weight loss, you will reach milestones along the way. Set small, achievable goals, and make sure some of them aren't directly related to the scale. You might set a goal to lose five pounds, but you might also set a goal to eat vegetables at five meals during the week. When you reach your goal, give yourself a reward--something you want that isn't going to sabotage your efforts. It could be something you buy, like a book or video game you've been wanting. It could also be something you do for yourself, like a bubble bath or a chance to watch the football game you recorded. Each time you feel successful, your motivation will be renewed for the next part of the journey.
Get A Motivation Buddy
Sometimes you just need someone to encourage you. Sometimes it helps your motivation when you can be encouraging to someone else. Find a motivation buddy who will give you that high five when you need it. It might be someone at home or work, or it might be a close friend. If you don't have anyone who can be your motivation buddy in person, there are a number of online communities where people support each other in as they lose weight. Then when you're feeling down, talk to your motivation buddy instead of grabbing for a snack.
Weight loss, especially when you have a lot to lose, isn't easy. You can get discouraged before you reach your goal. Keeping your weight loss motivation up by focusing on short-term, attainable goals and rewarding yourself when you reach them will help you achieve the long-term goals you seek.
Are you struggling with healthy, permanent weight loss? Come visit my weight loss blog at Wins At Weight Loss for tips and advice on losing weight. While you're there, make sure you check out How To Curb Hunger and other articles that will help you on your weight loss journey.
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