How do you stay motivated?????

Posts: 251
1/10/13 9:03 A

I have and have ALWAYS had the motivators for losing weight: my child, my grandchildren, my health, the way I look and feel...all of those things are good reasons to lose weight.
What has worked for me in the past ---something I lost after developing arthritis in my knees and hip and experiencing the enormous setback of not being able to exercise the way in which I had become accustomed (7 days a week, without fail)-- is ENTHUSIASM. When I lost enthusiasm for this program, I began to slip not only into bad habits, which led to weight gain and muscle-loss, but into a depression that has lasted nearly 3 years. I regained the enormous amount of weight that I had lost using SP, WW and simply couldn't regain that enthusiasm.
I don't know HOW I got it back, but somehow, here it is again. It's certainly no great coincidence that I've come back to SparkPeople.com and so far, the enthusiasm I once had is 99 percent back. I know that if I remain enthusiastic about this, faithful to tracking and reaching out to people, using all of the myriad tools SP gives us, I'll be successful again in getting this weight off and building my endurance and strength back.
So, for me, MOTIVATION has always been there. ENTHUSIASM and HOPE is what brought me back and is keeping me on track to a healthful lifestyle.
And thanks, SparkPeople --and all of you faithful Sparklers-- for still being here for me now that I'm back. I am SO grateful!

Pounds lost: 33.6

0 10.75 21.5 32.25

43

SparkPoints: (6,070)
Fitness Minutes: (8,609)
Posts: 93
1/9/13 7:32 P

I stay motivated with support and being around positive people not negative .

current weight: 128.6

128.6 125.7 122.8 119.9

117

SparkPoints: (3,017)
Fitness Minutes: (545)
Posts: 160
1/9/13 6:58 P

I stay motivated by thinking of what I want most out of this weight loss and that is to have a baby. I know it is going to take a while but I am just taking it one step at a time

current weight: 354.0

360 345 330 315

300

Posts: 1,753
1/9/13 6:16 P

by having a SMART goal

Posts: 8
1/9/13 6:11 P

Yup, yup! Daily weigh in! And surround yourself with active people. If everyone around you is sitting around, you probably will too.

current weight: 150.6

154 150.5 147 143.5

140

Posts: 8
1/9/13 3:13 P

Still searching for the perfect answer. This website has been very helpful in finding motivating examples.

Pounds lost: 14.0

0 32.25 64.5 96.75

129

Posts: 483
1/9/13 2:51 P

Trust me, it comes and it goes.
Coming back to SparkPeople motivates me.

current weight: 153.5

180 172.5 165 157.5

150

SparkPoints: (40,137)
Fitness Minutes: (31,398)
Posts: 1,619
1/9/13 2:28 P

Seeing results on the graft and the weightloss is motivation for me!

current weight: 147.9

186 175.75 165.5 155.25

145

SparkPoints: (6,895)
Fitness Minutes: (3,521)
Posts: 58
1/9/13 2:23 P

I am just figuring out that motivation is NOT as important as when your stuck and blowing off your goals.

The first step is to be motivated to just think about solutions when you are not motivated.

This is true motivation and is a key to success. Think about why you are not motivated and find solutions. Get your motivation back.


If your are not motivated, think about why you are not motivated and what you can do to get your self back in the driver's seat?

Not being motivated is like a stuck car that won't run. You sit in the driver's seat thinking of ways to get the car running again and start moving or you just sit there waiting forever. What to do? Call a friend, get help, find an answer or solution to get motivated again. Motivation is in all of us, you just have to decide how long you want to sit in a car that's stuck and not be motivated.

It's not important to dwell on how long your are stuck and unmotivated but to think about and seek solutions to get your motivation back!

current weight: 161.0

165 160 155 150

145

SparkPoints: (13,835)
Fitness Minutes: (12,476)
Posts: 302
1/9/13 1:19 P

Motivation is a really elusive mindset. I try to stay motivated by focusing on WHY I want to lose weight and finding ways to tweak my eating habits and exercise in a sustainable way. If you love sweet tea and quarter pounders, find a way to include them in your new eating plan so you don't feel deprived. Its important to start where you are and not try to do too much, too soon. So if you don't WANT to give up the quarter pounder and sweet tea yet, don't do it. Focus on changing something else instead, like drinking more water, eating more veggies or getting more exercise. Then, start tweaking that quarter pounder/sweet tea habit. Maybe you don't eat the fries that come with it, or leave the cheese off or order one 1x a week instead of every other day. Do this gradually and give yourself time to adjust.

Also, focus on some of the good habits you already have in place and pat yourself on the back for what you are already doing right. Then find ways to build those good habits up. Hopefully, they will begin to crowd out some of your bad habits.

It's important to track your eating and exercise. If you hate tracking daily, track on the days that are toughest for you, like weekends and build up from there.

Motivation is a mindset and you've gotten a lot of good ideas from other SP members about the things they do to keep motivated. Try a few of them and see which ones are more effective for you. One I do is go to the dept. store and try on clothes. The ghastly 3-way mirror is a good way to bring back the pain of overweight if I start to backslide. I also like documenting my progress with photos.

Stay connected to the SP community. There are so many wise and amazing people who are on this journey with you and can support you through the ups and downs.

Be persistent; you won't do this program perfectly--few of us do. Just forgive yourself and keep pushing forward even if all you are doing is crawling.

Hope this helps--good luck!

Pounds lost: 51.5

0 16.75 33.5 50.25

67

Posts: 1,220
1/9/13 1:12 P

I don't. Motivation comes and goes. It waxes and wanes. Sometimes we are really motivated. Sometimes we are a little motivated. Sometimes, we are not motivated at all. Motivation is rarely there when you feel like you need it and, when it does make an appearance, it isn't lasting. Motivation will always fail you in the end if you depend on it to keep you going. Instead of feeling like I need to be motivated, I've decided to be persistent and keep going even when I don't feel motivated to do so. After all, we all do things that we aren't particularly motivated to do, often on a daily basis. We get up and go to work, do laundry, dishes, clean the toilets, etc. simply because we feel that they are necessary. We do them because we need to and/or because we have to; sometimes we're more motivated to do them and sometimes we're not motivated to do them at all, yet they still get done because they have to be done. So, why do we feel like we need to be motivated to lose weight? Motivation is over-rated. Not motivated? Just do it anyway. Treat it like like the laundry.

Total SparkPoints: 11,507

	10,000 11,249 12,499 13,749	14,999
SparkPoints Level 11

Posts: 588
1/9/13 1:01 P

My clothes and the way they fit and feel. If they are too tight or don't fit right I am motivated to workout and eat right. I cannot buy another wardrobe of bigger sizes. I refuse!

current weight: 161.2

168 164.5 161 157.5

154

SparkPoints: (15,069)
Fitness Minutes: (5,588)
Posts: 708
1/9/13 12:52 P

Somebody else mentioned daily weigh-in her best motivator. I agree. I want that number to work its way down.

current weight: 190.0

215 206.25 197.5 188.75

180

SparkPoints: (21,000)
Fitness Minutes: (8,345)
Posts: 5,000
1/9/13 12:27 P

I feel so much better now. Even if the scale isn't dropping the way I'd want, I see other changes. My clothes are getting baggy. My double chin is gone. My blood pressure and sugar are in healthy zones. I have so much more energy and actually feel strong. My husband is constantly telling me how much better I look and how good I am doing.

Posts: 593
1/9/13 12:05 P

Simple, after a shower, look in the mirror.

May Minutes: 0

0 300 600 900

1200

SparkPoints: (22,634)
Fitness Minutes: (24,987)
Posts: 513
1/9/13 11:03 A

knowing that staying fitter and lighter help tremendously with my arthritis pain control.

I don't like to take celebrex or any other pain meds too much as they are soooo hard on the body over the long term. Exercise can be a hard prescription for people to follow, but it is so helpful.

current weight: -5.5  under

10 5 0 -5

-10

Posts: 2,114
1/9/13 10:00 A

I try to think of how I will feel when I get to wards my goals, about how I feel when I make progress, and in so doing try not to falter and stay at living healthier!

current weight: 169.0

246 226.75 207.5 188.25

169

Posts: 143
1/9/13 6:39 A

I look back on my record and see how far I have come with my weight. Also my clothes fit better and I have had to give some away because they were too big!

Total SparkPoints: 90,030

	80,000 84,999 89,999 94,999	99,999
SparkPoints Level 19

SparkPoints: (1,704)
Fitness Minutes: (1,743)
Posts: 13
1/9/13 1:22 A

I am signing up for my first race so that gives me a goal I have to achieve by a certain time. In this case, a 5K by May 2013. I have started running about 10 weeks ago, so I am no advanced/expert runner. But this will give me a reason to go out when I dont feel like it!

I would definately recommend signing up or training for something that will require you to achieve a certain level of fitness by a certain time. It gives you a purpose that is visable :)

current weight: 179.0

185 173.5 162 150.5

139

Posts: 646
1/8/13 6:00 P

Focusing on visualizing me @ my goal. Pushing all other images out of my mind. Not concentrating on extra weight. Acting like I have already obtained my goal. For example I don't just think, "I need to loose all this weight." That is overwhelming. I think about how skinny & healthy I am. I visualize myself being thin & how much I enjoy the types of exercise that I have chosen, while I am doing the workout. I put 8 cups of water in my tracker so I see it & work to make it happen. I have even opened up some old photo albums from when I was thinner & put them on the front of the treadmill while I am working out.

current weight: 182.5

205 186.25 167.5 148.75

130

Posts: 35
1/8/13 4:37 P

Signing up for a charity walk/run event a few months from now. Or booking a vacation where I'd need to wear a bikini. Depending on finances available :)

current weight: 140.0

145 142.5 140 137.5

135

SparkPoints: (4,528)
Fitness Minutes: (302)
Posts: 163
1/8/13 2:42 P

I am loving the January Jumpstart program :)

Total SparkPoints: 4,528

	4,000 4,374 4,749 5,124	5,499
SparkPoints Level 7

SparkPoints: (4,095)
Fitness Minutes: (1,525)
Posts: 66
1/8/13 2:27 P

I have just started with Spark People. I have lost weight prior to the holidays. Needed a way to keep track better. I motivation are my children. I want to be able to be healthy for them and myself but be able to do more with them.

current weight: 234.0

241 228.5 216 203.5

191

SparkPoints: (2,075)
Fitness Minutes: (1,488)
Posts: 29
1/8/13 2:08 P

I have just started Spark People today which I feel will be a big motivator for me to be able to log in and record my weight loss success. I do have a 'skinny outfit' though that I would love to be able to wear again. My goal is to fit into that outfit by June.

current weight: 198.0

198 186 174 162

150

Posts: 13
1/8/13 1:06 P

I look at Fat photos of myself. (my "before photo" is a pretty good motivator)
I think about summer and swimsuits and new clothes and how I want to look good.
I set an award goal for myself of getting a vintage pinup photo shoot from a local photographer who is superb at such photos.

current weight: 199.4

215 198.75 182.5 166.25

150

SparkPoints: (114,626)
Fitness Minutes: (106,129)
Posts: 5,192
1/8/13 12:44 P

Set attainable goals.

current weight: 233.6

279 256.75 234.5 212.25

190

SparkPoints: (23,121)
Fitness Minutes: (11,971)
Posts: 996
1/8/13 12:29 P

For the new year, I am starting out with the January Sparkpeople fitness challenge!!

Pounds lost: 12.5

0 4.25 8.5 12.75

17

SparkPoints: (6,477)
Fitness Minutes: (1,763)
Posts: 102
1/8/13 12:26 P

weighing in daily - doing whatever i can to today to see a smaller number tmw.

Pounds lost: 14.0

0 5.25 10.5 15.75

21

Posts: 2,106
1/8/13 11:49 A

I exercise every morning, 7 days a week--no "motivation" needed...it's just a healthy habit for me, like brushing my teeth daily. :)

May Minutes: 1,360

0 312.5 625 937.5

1250

Posts: 4,856
1/8/13 10:50 A

I joined a Crossfit class!

Posts: 958
1/8/13 9:48 A

Self talk helps me

Total SparkPoints: 19,266

	15,000 16,249 17,499 18,749	19,999
SparkPoints Level 12

Posts: 1,399
1/8/13 8:52 A

When my clothes don't fit it helps.

current weight: 203.0

231 217 203 189

175

SparkPoints: (2,027)
Fitness Minutes: (648)
Posts: 20
1/8/13 8:43 A

I also love the serenity prayer and think of it whenever I'm frustrated and need a little extra boost. On really bad days I wear a bracelet that is made with special beads representing the words of the prayer and I know I can get through anything with God's help.

current weight: 256.0

262 231.5 201 170.5

140

SparkPoints: (18,624)
Fitness Minutes: (18,216)
Posts: 461
1/8/13 6:41 A

That little black dress in the closet.
Knowing how much better I feel and look.
Listening to positive feedback (compliments)
That daily 5 minute pep talk.
Did I mention how much better I feel?

current weight: 144.0

179 169.25 159.5 149.75

140

SparkPoints: (31,814)
Fitness Minutes: (23,143)
Posts: 5,226
1/8/13 4:21 A

look back on how far I have come

current weight: 1.0  over

5 2.5 0 -2.5

-5

SparkPoints: (1,010)
Fitness Minutes: (672)
Posts: 23
1/8/13 2:47 A

This is day 3 of yet another attempt to lose weight. So right now I'm staying motivated just reminding myself that I have another day to live which is another day to keep on trying. The 5k I'm hoping to run/walk helps.

current weight: 182.0

190 182.25 174.5 166.75

159

SparkPoints: (39)
Fitness Minutes: (0)
Posts: 1
1/8/13 1:26 A

Weigh myself daily. Seriously, nothing motivates me more than wanting to change the number on the scale.

Posts: 3,367
1/7/13 8:50 P

In the early stages, I tell myself I see progress even if I don't. While working out I "feel" my muscles getting stronger/fat burning away and then one day you look up and you can actually see a difference. Each workout counts!

Pounds lost: 1.0

0 6 12 18

24

SparkPoints: (1,297)
Fitness Minutes: (972)
Posts: 11
1/7/13 6:29 P

I weigh myself daily and keep photos of myself at what I feel is my ideal weight on my pc desktop. I also use photos of women runners for exercise motivation, and basically give myself pep talks. I find it helpful to visualize my end result - almost meditate on what I want to look like, as well as keep index cards with motivational messages all over the house, which say things like "my powerful body is a fat and calorie burning machine!" lol maybe you'll find these silly, but they help me. Have a wonderful week everyone!

current weight: 128.5

138 133 128 123

118

SparkPoints: (1,229)
Fitness Minutes: (1,485)
Posts: 1
1/7/13 5:44 P

By year end I felt like a sick sloth. I stay motivated every day based on how much better I'm feeling. Once that wears out I'll be thin enough to run without trashing my knees!

SparkPoints: (12,555)
Fitness Minutes: (5,822)
Posts: 418
1/7/13 4:49 P

I always adopt a new "plan." Right now, I'm doing the Jumpstart January Challenge. Previously, I did the 28 Day Bootcamp Challenge. After the January Challenge is over, I'm going to start training for a 5k.

current weight: 143.6

178 166 154 142

130

SparkPoints: (87,718)
Fitness Minutes: (78,155)
Posts: 3,202
1/7/13 3:37 P

Weigh, measure and check the mirror every single day.

current weight: 99.0

146 134.25 122.5 110.75

99

Posts: 2,419
1/7/13 3:31 P

Right now, planning and preparing is keeping me motivated.

The extra energy I have is keeping me motivated.

The closet full of beautiful, smaller sized designer clothes are keeping me motivated.

Pictures of me, not too long ago are keeping me motivated.

The fact that I will be 40 in less than 8 months IS DEFINITELY KEEPING ME MOTIVATED!!!

Pounds lost: 21.0

0 14.5 29 43.5

58

SparkPoints: (22,538)
Fitness Minutes: (4,632)
Posts: 975
1/7/13 3:21 P

I am definitely motivated by having a training program. When I don't, I find it much harder to convince myself I need to work out.

May Minutes: 671

0 250 500 750

1000

Posts: 12
1/7/13 3:11 P

With exercise it helped me to pick events that I have to train for. For example, picking a 5k run or 10k and following a training program. If you have a specific goal to reach in a specific amount of time, especially if it is a social event or something to look forward to it gives you a short term goal to reach that has the reward of completing at the end:)

current weight: 137.0

137 134.5 132 129.5

127

SparkPoints: (4,528)
Fitness Minutes: (302)
Posts: 163
1/7/13 2:31 P

Keep trying - the more I try, the more I do, the better I feel: then rinse and repeat...

Total SparkPoints: 4,528

	4,000 4,374 4,749 5,124	5,499
SparkPoints Level 7

Posts: 1,121
1/7/13 1:14 P

Just keep on keeping on!!

Total SparkPoints: 34,966

	30,000 32,499 34,999 37,499	39,999
SparkPoints Level 15

SparkPoints: (48,832)
Fitness Minutes: (2,934)
Posts: 7,046
1/7/13 1:12 P

Feeling fit and the energy gained from exercising/eating right is my motivator.

current weight: 137.0

149 144.25 139.5 134.75

130

SparkPoints: (1,400)
Fitness Minutes: (485)
Posts: 4
1/7/13 12:59 P

That's what I need to do, think small and accomplish 1 thing at a time. Thank you!

current weight: 170.6

178 166 154 142

130

SparkPoints: (1,465)
Fitness Minutes: (1,829)
Posts: 2
1/7/13 11:55 A

I stay motivated by praying early in the morning, before my workout. I call my Weight-loss Plan: "From Diabesity to Fabulosity with Jesus Christ as my Personal Trainer".
My faith in GOD really helps me to stay focus on my daily goals. God bless you.

Edited by: MANNA8888 at: 1/7/2013 (11:56)

current weight: 295.0

312 279 246 213

180

SparkPoints: (272)
Fitness Minutes: (25)
Posts: 6
1/7/13 11:52 A

Today is day 1 for me! And after reading the board I have some good tools to stay motivated. First and the biggest for me is, to keep my goals small. I need to lose about 65lbs. To me that sounds like sooo mcuh and will take sooo long. But now I am looking at it by just losing something by next week. Even if it's just 1 pound! Or if its that I don't have to think so hard about what I am going to eat, maybe it will just be a little faster and easier for me to think of someting.
So thank you all!! : )

current weight: 215.0

215 198.75 182.5 166.25

150

SparkPoints: (8,505)
Fitness Minutes: (11,366)
Posts: 220
1/7/13 11:51 A

I use the nike plus app. and try to improve my time or increased distance. It keeps a total of how many miles you accumulate over time.

Posts: 273
1/7/13 11:44 A

I found this month's People magazine extremely motivating... it has dozens of success stories of amazing weight losses, mostly of ordinary people like me. I plan to create a scrapbook of success stories. Then I can place my story in the book as the last one, once I get to goal weight.

Pounds lost: 19.5

0 25 50 75

100

SparkPoints: (129,515)
Fitness Minutes: (68,075)
Posts: 12,065
1/7/13 11:42 A

By setting my sights on small things, one at a time.

current weight: 151.6

161 155.25 149.5 143.75

138

SparkPoints: (15,069)
Fitness Minutes: (5,588)
Posts: 708
1/7/13 11:28 A

All good suggestions to help motivate people and reminders to keep on truckin'.
For me, the best motivation is its Monday morning: a new day, a new week, a new start to a healthier life. All past mistakes are history and I get a fresh start.

current weight: 190.0

215 206.25 197.5 188.75

180

Posts: 8
1/7/13 11:21 A

Please excuse if these suggestions have already been posted!

I use three things to motivate me:
1. I have an unflattering photo of myself posted beside my mirror in the bathroom. It's there as a visual reminder to do something healthy for myself every day. There's just no dodging it, so no excuses ;)
2. Instead of just long-term fitness/diet planning, I take it in smaller chunks. Say - one month. Or even one week. Or even one day! These feel more achievable and it's kind of fun to come up with new goals for every new time period.
3. I give myself a break. Nobody is perfect! We all have off days. The important thing is to pick yourself up from those bad days and keep going. The satisfaction is worth it.

Hope that helps!

Posts: 2,250
1/7/13 11:11 A

Exercise makes me feel good. It is that simple. When I have strong and flexible muscles, and have increased energy from exercise, I feel like I can take on the world. It makes all of the boring, every day chores easier.

Also, I enjoy sports. I still want to meet high school dreams of snow skiing, hiking, horse riding on trails in mountains, playing tennis, swimming a few miles, running a marathon. I want to dance on a stage for an audience. I want to bike across the United States! I want to walk all over Europe. I have taken steps toward all of these in the last 40 years, (now age 55), but haven't met any of them to the fullest potential.

DREAM BIG and GO FOR IT!!!

current weight: 112.4

121 118.85 116.7 114.55

112.4

SparkPoints: (917)
Fitness Minutes: (242)
Posts: 4
1/7/13 6:50 A

This is a great topic. I haven't found anything better to help me stay motivated than my actual desire to be healthier. I used to be 318... then I dropped to 135 (which was TOO skinny for my body type) and now I am creeping back up. I just don't want to feel like all my hard work when I was younger was for nothing. So, for me, it is my personal desire to feel better physically and mentally. I started sparkpeople to try and stay on track and be held accountable, but then I realized that when I am home and with my family, it is hard to log in to log your food and such. Therefore, I bought a book and it is now my food/drink log when I am at home, A 3 year old kinda hinders you! :)

By they way... beer is my downfall... not sweets or fried food, just beer. I haven't had a beer since I started and I really want one.... I just don't want to have to do the extra work so I have opted out! Call me lazy... but working from 4 AM til 6/7 PM just sitting in a vehicle gives me more than enough reason to work out!

SparkPoints: (11,831)
Fitness Minutes: (10,431)
Posts: 538
1/6/13 10:52 P

Appreciate this comment, SUSANBEAMOM. Staying mindful is key for me too. What is it about the past and future that are so alluring that I find myself drifting there so often? Yoga and meditation are helping :)

May Minutes: 1,560

0 375 750 1125

1500

SparkPoints: (679)
Fitness Minutes: (0)
Posts: 29
1/6/13 9:41 P

It has taken me 3 years to lose 45 pounds with 20 more to go. Not the first time losing. That is what keeps me motivated. Don't want to start at ground 0 again. When I stop tracking I gain a few pounds so I go back to tracking. I have to weigh at least once a week so pounds don't sneak back on.

Posts: 1,364
1/6/13 9:19 P

Think of it like a love affair, what can you do to make it more satisfying, change your meals, try new foods, have breakfast for dinner, dinner foods for breakfast, etc. And you will not always be "in the mood", that's just part of life.

SparkPoints: (915)
Fitness Minutes: (100)
Posts: 2
1/6/13 9:06 P

One of my motivations comes when I go to my closet every morning to pick out what to wear. I see all the beautiful clothes that I loved wearing that don't fit anymore. I am determined to fit back into those clothes.

SparkPoints: (2,774)
Fitness Minutes: (1,442)
Posts: 5
1/6/13 4:48 P

At the risk of being politically incorrect:

Maintaining motivation has been a major problem for me. I recently came across the "Serenity Prayer" and now read it every morning, It helps me stay focused.

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.

current weight: 159.5

162 157.75 153.5 149.25

145

Posts: 2,659
1/6/13 4:47 P

Track track track and hang in there even when I've done rotten.

current weight: 184.0

203 187.25 171.5 155.75

140