“Habit is habit and not to be flung out of the window by any man, but coaxed downstairs a step at a time.” This quote by Mark Twain may not seem to have anything to do with losing on its face. However, as you progress in your loss program, you may find wisdom in it.
Maintaining proper motivation to continue a loss program can be one of the biggest hurdles when trying to lose weight. There are, however, some tricks you can use to stay motivated.
The motivational trick that many people report working best for them is looking down at the scale and seeing actual progress. If you are able to get off to a good start, losing those first 5 pounds can turn into a dramatic motivator. Once you see that your program is working and it is actually possible for you to lose weight, you will be encouraged to stay with it, and the loss will continue.
Another way to stay motivated in losing is to keep a picture diary of your progress. Start on day one of your program with several pictures of yourself. Each week, take new pictures of yourself in the same poses. If you make any progress at all, it will be very apparent and this can be an extremely powerful motivating technique.
It is also important to set reasonable goals in order to maintain proper motivation. One can easily become discouraged and quit entirely on their loss program by setting unrealistic goals. It does you no good to try and lose 30 pounds in 30 days, or some such nonsense. If, however, you set a more reasonable goal of losing say it, 10 pounds in 30 days and you achieve that goal, you will feel as if you are on a direct path towards success.
A final and perhaps most powerful method of maintaining motivation is to lose with a group of friends or like-minded people. Attempting to lose with other people can bring a few different benefits to your particular goals. You will feel encouraged by the support others show you in trying to reach your goal. Also, others in the group will hold you accountable and keep you honest.
All that is needed to lose is proper knowledge and proper motivation. While knowledge in losing can be easily obtained from a number of sources, lack of motivation is often what stops people from achieving their loss goals. However, with the powerful tips described above you will be able to stay motivated and complete your loss program.
I agree with setting reasonable goals and getting on the scale – for your own accountability if nothing else!