It’s not easy to lose weight. Look at all the things you must battle: hunger, genetics, lifestyle . . . and sometimes, the shame of your gut hanging out when you’re at the gym with all those hardbodies. Given all these obstacles, isn’t it true that the idea of giving up suddenly becomes reasonable? Don’t give in, though – check out these tips and keep your motivation pumped!
See Yourself as You Soon Will Be!
Lots of us were in great shape when we were younger – in high school, say, or in college. Is that your case? If that describes you, excellent! Find some old pictures of yourself and use them for inspiration. You’ll remember how it felt to have a fit, well-toned body, and how you were able to do so much with that body.
Those of us who weren’t really all that fit when we were younger can still see our new bodies. Your new body is going to take some time to make, so now, take a few minutes and really visualize it thoroughly. Don’t set unrealistic deadlines and goals. For instance, five pounds a week might be too much, but one-and-a-half to two-and-a-half pounds a week is reasonable and attainable.
Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is
You’ll feel the depth of your commitment a little more if you have some “skin in the game.” Get yourself something new, some piece of clothing in the size you’re aiming for – something that’ll really highlight your new weight and make you look really good – and hang it where you’ll see it all the time, like in your bedroom. Nobody enjoys wasting money, and so these pants, or whatever they are, will be a constant reminder to you of your goal. Many people get a lot of mileage out of this particular motivational tip.
If You Want Something Done Right, Sometimes You Need To Get A Little Help . . .
Frankly, there are many tasks we need to do that if we’re left alone to do them, often won’t get done. Working out is one of them. If you have a buddy you regularly work out with, though, who depends on you for support the way you depend on him, it’s not nearly so easy to skip the workout, is it? It’s easier to live up to things like doing your workouts when there are others depending on you.
An accountability friend is another option. It’s a technique successful salespeople use in developing good habits. This is a technique that will make you feel very judged, especially at first. Every single day, before brushing your teeth, send your accountability friend a brief email, listing everything you ate that day. You need to be honest! Temptation can be resisted, but this is a simple and effective way to reinforce your willpower.
This is one of the most powerful weight-loss motivation tips you’ll ever run across.
Recognize Accomplishment – and then Get Back to Work!
Perhaps you regret that you’ve gotten so out of shape. I understand. A weight loss plan takes time, and for many it’s frequently unpleasant at times. There’s no reason it has to be constantly oppressive, though. If you’ve had a successful week with your weight loss program, give yourself a little treat in recognition of a job well done! You can have a special dessert to mark the occasion.
We grow up equating food with all sorts of good things – if you cut yourself off from the little rewards and treats, you’ll feel like you’re cutting yourself off from all the good things in life as well. Even worse, you might deliberately sabotage yourself. Letting an oppressive weight loss program make you miserable can be the worst thing that can happen to you, yet you can avoid it by permitting yourself a little indulgence once a week or so.
Many people have followed these motivating tips to help accomplish their weight loss goals. Keep in mind, though, that if you drop the ball, you can’t let yourself be consumed by guilt. Nobody’s perfect, and plenty of good people have messed up on a weight loss program. Just get over it and get back to work!