I keep a chain of paper clips next to my computer monitor at work. Each paper clip represents one pound lost. They are always front and center to help keep me motivated. I remember to say "No thank you" to the office doughnuts.
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Mine are fun little Japanese ones shaped like a turtle. Helps me remember that slow and steady wins the race!
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I love this idea! I just made myself a chain, and will keep it with me. I also found a bright pink one for the 10th pound ( I plan to have added by Monday). I'm going to find colored ones for every 10 pounds!
Thanks for the idea!
LILSKINNYLORI2/28/2011 8:55:00 PM
I love this idea! I think I am going to go to the craft store and do it with pretty beads then wear the necklace once I'm done!
ROYABOYA3/26/2010 4:14:00 PM
I do this too - it's hanging off of my computer right now. I went one step further and wrote "one pound lost, 2 pounds lost" etc, and attached them to every paper clip - and I keep the clips that I remove in their own little success pile. :)
GREENEYES25103/25/2010 7:35:00 PM
I like this idea. I'm very visual so I like having that constant reminder right in my face. It motivates me to see how long I can make the chain!
SUESMITH733/25/2010 8:05:00 PM
I have a paperclip chain too! I have it hanging beside my fridge. Great reminder.
LOVESLIFE133/25/2010 6:57:00 PM
what a cool idea!!! I'm going to do this one and leave the chain in my pocket. I work in a school cafeteria, if I keep the chain in my pocket hopefully it will keep my from temptation!! Thanks!!
PURPLEDRAGONM4/15/2013 1:18:00 PM
This is a USEFUL idea, thank you. I'm thinking I'll get a box of colorful paperclips for this purpose. More eye catching and decorative, too. Probably I need this more at home than at work, so that's where it'll be. Thank you!
BEESONAMY3/21/2013 12:36:00 AM
this is the first time I've ever heard of this. What a great visual motivator!!!
WILZEENYC3/7/2013 1:14:00 PM
Just did it too. Thanks for the Spark
RH87872/1/2013 11:24:00 AM
Just started my chain, thanks for the idea!
SADAMS72311/4/2013 2:10:00 AM
Love this idea
MSPATOOTY12/5/2012 10:13:00 AM
What a great idea! I'm just getting started, so my chain is only 4 clips long, but now it's hanging on my bulletin board where I can see it all day long at work. Thank you!!
BRENDA751111/14/2012 8:14:00 PM
What an awesome idea...definitely going to start something with this in mind...thanks for sharing...
PINKIE7811/10/2012 1:29:00 PM
Great idea!! Thanks!! Someone recently gave me a container of buttons for crafts. I now am thinking to use these in a glass jar on my desk at work and in my kitchen to remind me of pounds lost. Thanks!!
EADORRIS10/7/2012 11:00:00 AM
I like this idea! I do something similar at work. I printed out a bunch (the number of pounds I want to lose) of cute little pigs and color one in with a different color highlighter each time I lose a pound..kinda of like getting a colored star when you were in kindergarten. Its a good visual for me. I may use the colored paperclips at home and hang them on the fridge. Then not only will I have a visual but it will make a noise swinging on the fridge when i open it to also remind me!
PACIFICO29/18/2012 5:04:00 PM
This Sparked me! I promptly made a chain and put it near my desk. Thank you!
MEW40399/11/2012 1:04:00 PM
That's a great visual for your success! I think I'll "borrow" your idea!
MALA779/6/2012 11:47:00 AM
That's a cool idea. I like that!
FRESHDAISES8/29/2012 12:50:00 PM
I seem to agree with the group! Great idea. Thanks so much for sharing!! I am looking for my first couple paper clips now.
GETMESKINNY1218/27/2012 9:05:00 AM
I started a paper clip chain when i was on weight watchers i think i should start that again and when i hit a 10 lb mark use a different color...thanks for reminding me...happy weight loss.
NHEMBERGER8/22/2012 8:27:00 AM
Great idea, mine would be 32. Trying to picture how long that would be
MOSTMOM18/22/2012 7:49:00 AM
What a FUN idea!!
BARBIE1768/12/2012 12:59:00 AM
I love this idea! Thank you for sharing.
TREEBSKAAR8/9/2012 11:51:00 AM
I do this too! I love it and find it very motivational. I change up my color at 10 pound increments and use a silver paper clip to indicate 1/2 pound.
SANDRAYT6/4/2011 10:32:00 AM
Love it. I started one today too oftern we forget our accumplishments. I just started my journey. It will keep me focused
AARHTD4/20/2011 2:51:00 AM
Fantastic idea!! I think I'll do a similar thing with a bracelet so it's with me EVERYWHERE!
EVANSC310/16/2010 12:50:00 PM
Absolutely fabulous idea! I'm going to try it!
CIVIAV9/10/2010 9:04:00 AM
What a fab idea for marking so many great accomplishments. It's like the notches on a bed or gun from the wild west but a whole lot more hale! Instead of stickers, I'm going out for a box of coloured paper clips to begin my chain. I love it!
SUNSHINEORRAIN7/1/2010 2:52:00 PM
Thats an awesome idea!
SKINNYGUY9174/15/2010 9:55:00 PM
What a great idea! Thanks! A neat visual reminder. 2-3 days a week I'm in other locations so I am not in my office. I have to find something that accomplishes the same thing and is portable. Thanks for getting me thinking!
TKUCIFER4/6/2010 2:59:00 PM
I love this idea! I think I'll make one tonight!!
DARKORANGE4/1/2010 5:38:00 PM
I heard of this one from Weight Watchers but did I try it then...no. I think it is time that I give it a go!!
RAVEN2FEATHERS3/26/2010 4:44:00 PM
That is awesome ! A great idea !
YOOVIE3/26/2010 2:12:00 PM
GIRL! I SUPER LOVE THIS!!!!
Related Secrets
Paper Clip Chain gives visual inspiration
Make a paper clip chain, each paper clip representing a pound lost, use a magnet to attach it to your fridge at home or filing cabinet at work. This gives you a visual and tactile reminder of how much weight you've lost, plus it's fun to keep adding those paper clips on to last weeks chain!
Mark those pounds lost to keep motivating yourself
I have now made a paper clip chain from brightly colored paper clips. There is one clip for each pound I have lost. I have it hanging in my office. It is a great reminder of how far I have come (30 clips), and encourages me when I start to dream about eating something just because it sounds great!
Gather up some paper clips, I like to use ones with different fun colors, and make a chain with them using a paperclip for each pound you lose. It's fun to see your chain grow, and you'll be proud to see your progress!!
If people only ate when they felt true hunger, few of us would struggle with our weight. So why (and where) are we eating so much, and what can we do about it? Start here.
Helps me remember that slow and steady wins the race!
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