Write Your Vision Statement for Weight Loss

Find Out Why You've Set Your Goals

-- By Dean Anderson, Behavioral Psychology Expert

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If you give it some thought, I bet you’ll agree that losing weight is not really your goal. Sure you want to lose weight and it's important to you. But why? Is it because some number on a scale is really that important and meaningful in and of itself? Probably not.

If you’re like most people, you probably want to lose weight because in your mind that will make it easier for you to live the kind of life you want to live.

What this means in concrete terms will be different for everyone. It may involve solving or preventing medical problems; living to see children and grandchildren grow up; having the ability to do activities that you enjoy (or need to do); or looking in a mirror or going out in public without feeling like some kind of escapee from a circus side show act.

But whatever your real goals might be, losing weight is just one thing that will help you achieve those goals. It is not the ultimate goal itself, and that's important to keep in mind while working on your weight loss. Maintaining your motivation for a long-term project like weight loss means clearly picturing the real reasons for all of your hard work. If you make the mistake of getting the means confused with the ends, at least two major problems can develop:

You may develop weight loss tunnel vision. You’ll be so focused on the scale and your weekly weight loss drama that the inevitable ups and downs you experience will make you miserable, stressing you out so much that you become your own worst enemy. Emotional eating, here you come.
You’ll make the first-then mistake. This involves the incorrect belief that you need to lose the weight first, before you can do anything else about reaching your actual goals. This is a tragic mistake. You may arrive at your weight loss goal, only to realize that being lighter doesn’t magically solve other problems in your life. Many people go back to their old ways at this point, regaining the lost weight. If you expect everything to be different when the weight is gone, but don't work on making other necessary changes, you'll put too much pressure on your weigh-ins. You’ll tell yourself that not dropping pounds means you are still that much further from having the life you want, but that’s just not true.

To avoid these problems and others, you need to prepare your Weight Loss Vision Statement right now!
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About The Author

Dean Anderson
Dean Anderson has master's degrees in human services (behavioral psychology/stress management) and liberal studies. His interest in healthy living began at the age of 50 when he confronted his own morbid obesity and health issues. He joined SparkPeople and lost 150 pounds and regained his health. Dean has earned a personal training certification from ACE and received training as a lifestyle and weight management consultant. See all of Dean's articles.

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Member Comments

KJCARLTON

Just looked into this program, it's been very helpful and very motivating. Thank you for
putting forth the effort to create this for all of us. - 5/1/2013 3:14:31 PM
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DOXIELOVER003

Good article. Goals are important and can help measure where we are and where we need to be. We must also remember we are human and if we blow it today, we can realize it tomorrow. - 3/12/2013 10:15:51 PM
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JACK714

Good thoughts, I would have liked to have seen a sample statement. - 12/13/2012 4:04:34 PM
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CECELW

Dean has such good wisdom. This is a good idea. Planning out the day took me some practice, but it does work. - 11/2/2012 10:48:58 AM
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SHANTI66

Dean, your journey was for a reason. Your help here is invaluable and you are much beloved. I'm so glad you found your place in this world "after 50". I don't mean that to sound condescending (if it does), it's just, as you know, a lot of people struggle to find the best way to contribute their vast life experience with such grace as you have. I love your articles; you truly have found your voice and they resonate with so many of us Sparkers! Keep writing: we want more of you :-) And we apply what you say! What better thanks could there be? xo - 10/2/2012 7:44:46 PM
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ELAINEANNE1

Yes we all need something to work too and mine is my health as without it you cannot do anything else. - 8/8/2012 1:41:11 PM
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MRGIBBS2

You need to have goele's to get want you want in life, and being in good health is a veary big one. - 7/1/2012 6:55:22 PM
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LOSINITBY30

Dean Anderson's articles are a motivational gold mine! And he's been through all this with us so he understands even better! - 8/2/2011 10:26:13 AM
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SHANTIPEN

I absolutely love Dean Anderson`s articles. Everything he says helps me to have clarity and understanding in the way i think about food, the way i use food as an emotional tool and to be finally be honest about myself and find ways to deal with my stress levels when i am frustrated about my weight loss every few weeks. Thank you Dean, your advice is invaluable and helping to slowly but surely change. - 5/9/2011 11:48:18 AM
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CHARLEEE3

I'm finding the articles in "Mind Over Body" to be agreat help as I'm getting back on track. I lost 25 lbs, about 1/2 of it before I discovered SP. Then I started graduate school (at age 58) and was dealing with some family issues at home, so I've just been trying to maintain. I did well until this last month or so, when I've gained back about 5 lbs. That scared me, plus I'm used to my new study program and my home situation is better, so I'm ready to lose the 5 I've gained plus the next 25. Anyway, Dean's articles are usually helpful, but especially this series, I think. Thanks! - 5/7/2011 4:25:23 PM
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PIXIESTIX6669

Fabulous article...this technique works in all areas of your life, not just weight loss... - 5/6/2011 8:36:25 AM
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TINADOUS

I think goal setting is soo important! Good article. - 5/6/2011 8:32:17 AM
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MISSNUGGY

EXCELLENT ARTICLE. - 4/23/2011 7:41:08 AM
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S-CSCHWEI3

I think this is the first time I've ever read any of Dean's articles, now I'm just eating them up today. I've been very stressed lately, most of which doesn't even relate to the weight loss because I'm actually really happy with how that's going. I'm finding that these articles, while they are great tips for weight loss, are also really helpful with helping to really focus and center my mind and actions around what is important to me in other respects. I think this is really going to help me be truly committed to not only my weight loss goals, but the other goals in my life. Thank you so much for this article; today was the perfect day to discover it. - 3/30/2011 6:01:33 PM
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CHELSEAANNE8

I wrote out my vision statement and it feels great! Thanks for the idea.

Chelsea

Leader of "Sparking with multiple sclerosis" - 9/22/2010 11:37:17 AM
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