One of the most challenging aspects of weight loss is staying committed long enough to reap the rewards of your hard work. When you first begin a weight loss program, all you can see are the extra pounds on your body. You have an idea of the outcome you would like to achieve – perhaps how much you would like to weigh, or the size of clothing you would like to wear. But beyond that, you may be cloudy on the lifestyle changes your new figure will inspire.
Staying Committed to Your Weight Loss Goal
If you aren’t clear on the benefits you will gain from losing weight, it’s going to be harder for you to stick to your weight loss plan because it will seem like too much of a sacrifice.
The following exercise will help you tune into the positive changes that losing weight will create in your life, which can be a great help in pumping up your excitement and keeping your commitment strong.
Grab a blank sheet of paper and a pen, and write your goal at the top of the page. (Example: Weigh 130 pounds; Wear a size 5 dress; Be slender and strong; etc.)
Now, beneath that heading, write down the ways achieving such a goal would benefit you and make your life better.
Examples:
“I can become a personal trainer and inspire others with my weight loss story.”
“I will feel confident enough to finally meet Mr./Miss Right.”
“I will be able to wear outfits that make me feel good.”
“I will easily fit in airplane seats and restaurant booths.”
“I will have more energy to pursue other goals.”
“I will feel really good about myself.”
“I will feel adventurous and travel more often.”
“I will have the strength and stamina to keep up with my kids.”
With each item you write on your list, take a few minutes to really focus on it and imagine how great it will be to actually experience it. How would such an experience make you feel? Why does it feel so good? How big of a contrast exists between that experience, and what you are living right now?
As you focus on these fun scenarios, you will feel your excitement and confidence growing – even though you haven’t yet begun to live them. You will be strengthening your desire to live them, however, and that will translate into strong commitment. Have you ever noticed that goals are easy to achieve when you want them really, really badly?
Weight loss is no different! Want it badly, be absolutely determined to achieve it, stay committed to your plan, and before you know it, success!