Good article to reread when motivation starts to flag. Inspiring!
PTANGELES
4/30/2013 8:18:55 PM
This is a great article. For years I wished for someone to find a way to bottle motivation. We all have it when we start but it does fade. I've been on many, many diets. Most were successful but maintaining the weight loss wasn't. Since starting my current effort a year ago, I've managed to stay motivated by changing a few things. Decided that a "diet" wasn't what was needed -- a "change in lifestyle" was what I needed was on top of the list. Believe me, I thought about that a lot. The second thing that helped me greatly was not weighing in on a daily or weekly basis. Sometimes I waited six weeks. This meant that I didn't look at the scale and think, I ONLY lost 2 lbs (or whatever the amount was). Instead I was thrilled -- I lost 10 or more lbs. I expected to see a good loss because my clothes were getting baggy but It was always more than anticipated and helped me feel great and stay motivated. One additional thing that has helped me is to drink flavored water (no cal Chrystal Light). Always wished I craved plain water but it didn't ever happen. I've read for years that people often mistake hunger for thirst. In my case it was true and adding flavor to water has been a huge help in controlling my appetite. By the way, I happen to have one of the must supportive husbands in the world and without his constant encouragement doubt I'd be writing this. I feel so fortunate. Good luck to all of you who are working toward a weight loss goal. It's tough.
COACHMEGMABCBA
4/30/2013 9:24:26 AM
Thanks for all the great comments, everyone! I’m excited to hear that you’re done playing these mind games! I want to apologize so late in responding - I wasn’t getting the updates from this article’s thread. I hope that you’ve all made even more great strides in your healthy habits since this post!
RUGGER611 - Careful with that scale! Try hiding it for a while and find other ways to ‘weigh’ your success. You’d be amazed at all the tally marks you’ll rack up by tracking a week of healthy habits (instead of just your weight). Those numbers are what counts, and they’ll keep you more motivated than the fluctuating digits on the scale.
VELVET MERLIN & CHANTENAY - Yes, going stealth can work for a while, especially if you’re surrounded with negative nay-sayers. And it’s great to make healthy change for yourself, without worrying about judgement! But, as a rule humans thrive on positive reinforcement from others. Isn’t there someone in your life who pats you on the back (maybe even here on Sparkpeople’s forums)? If you want to really ramp up your results, find someone awesome and spunky who can be your personal cheerleader! Having someone in your corner to share your goals and struggles with is a proven way to build wellness success.
SKOEPFLER - I'll have to check out The WIllpower Instinct - sounds like an interesting read!
Keep up the great work everyone! And don’t let your mind games get the best of you!
Thanks for a great post! I think the biggest complaint associated with a healthier life is the lack of results.
Because I do not physically need to lose weight, the responses to my lifestyle change have been nothing but negative. I'm afraid I have to keep my goals to myself. That bums me out, but not as much as the negative, non-supportive comments I get when I make better choices about my food.
I think going stealth can be a good thing if the people around you are negative. I had a friend once who discouraged me so much I decided to start without anyone's knowledge the next time I tried to lose weight. Fortunately, I found SP around that time! Some people I know will make comments when they see others have slip-ups and don't lose weight.
LEANNEPUG
4/30/2013 6:37:54 AM
Thanks for the helpful insight. I do fall into some of these traps (I am a scalewatcher for sure!) so stepping back and looking at the whole picture is a good tip. In today's society, we are ingrained to want instant EVERYTHING and that includes weight loss! Slow & steady wins the race.
Reading "The Willpower Instinct" right now and it goes over the science behind a lot of this type of thinking and what to do to have better self control. It's an interesting read so far, but time will tell if it does the trick, lol! It was recommended by some one else on Spark as "life changing", so I figured it can't hurt.
This was a great article! It's me all over, I fall off as soon as I don't see the results I'm looking for. I forget that all the other results and feelings count just as much.
The only problem I have an issue with is number 4. You can do it by yourself (well, if you are a loner like I am). Otherwise you get into the whole 'I thought you were on a diet' speech, even though it may be well intentioned.
The best way, I have found in my case, is to actually not set goals at first and just start out slow. It doesn't work for everyone, but it will work for others. That way, if you mess up or skip a workout, you don't feel bad about it.
Great article otherwise though!
TATNURS
2/2/2013 3:04:17 PM
New to SparkPpl..Thanks for the GREAT Inspiration! Looking forward to much more!
This article came at the perfect time!!! Even though I have been doing great with my exercise plan and better with my nutrition, My scale hasnt been as reflective as I would like it to be , and I have started doubting myself, and that I will reach my long term goal. This gave me a needed boost today! I am proud of all the hard work I put in this month! And I do know this was not going to be a fast and easy process! I just needed that little reminder!
Loved this article! Some of us have gotten to the point we are at because of the self defeating mind games noted in this article. The make-overs offered are so much more realistic, positive, and inspire us to move forward! Thanks Megan!
AUNTIEM39
2/2/2013 8:01:05 AM
thanks so much i just joined spark and i have to say .. its nice to read something that inspires you.. for a change.. needed that..
