Losing weight is a tough row to hoe. It’s a constant struggle. Think about it – you need to overcome hunger pangs, an uncooperative genetic makeup, peer pressure that encourages watching television over walking treadmills, and the realization that while you’re at the gym, the hardbodies are snickering at a gut that took years of drinking beer to develop. 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’s so, outstanding! Go find some pictures of yourself from “back in the day” – not only will they bring up great old memories, they’ll remind you of the shape your body is used to being in. 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.
Don’t feel bad if this isn’t you, because you can still visualize your new body. Don’t rush through this exercise – take the time to really see all of your new body. When you set your goals and deadlines, don’t make them unrealistic. A pound or two a week is a realistic and reasonable goal.
Be Serious – Make a Commitment
Commitments involve a little risk-taking. Buy yourself a nice article of clothing, pants perhaps, in the size you want to achieve and hang it where you’ll see it every day – like right there in your bedroom. The harder it is for you to make money, the greater motivation this will be for you, because nobody likes wasting money. This tip has worked wonders for many people who were wavering in their commitment to losing weight.
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? You’re not likely to blow off a workout if your buddy is at the gym expecting you to spot him, or is you’re expecting to pace each other.
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! Having to tell another person about your eating, when that person know you’re trying to lose weight, will frequently give you all the willpower necessary to resist temptation!
Accountability is a powerful motivator, and you’ll find this to be one of the most effective tips you’ll ever encounter.
Recognize Accomplishment – and then Get Back to Work!
Perhaps you regret that you’ve gotten so out of shape. That’s not hard to figure out. That doesn’t mean you have to be miserable all the time you’re on your weight loss plan. If your weight loss program went well this week, it’s okay to recognize that achievement with a little treat! Have a special appetizer or snack, something you really enjoy. Keep an eye on the calories, though – don’t let a celebration turn into an opportunity for backsliding!
You’re much more likely to get frustrated and quit if you never reward yourself when you achieve your goals. What’s worse, without recognizing your achievements, you might wind up sabotaging yourself. A little goodie now and then, taken as a reward for successfully completing another week of your weight loss program, will go a long way toward helping to keep your cravings and frustration under control.
Many people have followed these motivating tips to help accomplish their weight loss goals. Never forget, though, that if you should happen to slip up, it’s not the end of the world. 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!
If you liked these tips be sure to check out these articles: weight loss motivation and weight loss inspiration.
