Finding Weight-Loss Motivation

Are you looking to reignite your motivation for weight-loss? Losing weight can be a long, incredibly difficult process. You may be struggling to keep going, and you may even be questioning your goals in the first place. If you are feeling doubtful about your goals or the process, check out our tips to help you find your weight-loss motivation again.

Make a List

Now might be the best time to make a list of all the reasons you want to lose weight to remind yourself why you started this process in the first place. Be sure you physically write down your reasons, rather than brainstorming in your head. Writing them down will make them more real. Try to focus on health reasons—rather than physical appearance—such as: to prevent diseases, to feel better physically, or to go off blood pressure medications.

Write a Letter

Do you remember being a child in school and writing a letter to your future self? Why not take this same principle and apply it to your weight-loss goals? Write a letter to yourself one year (or more) into the future that includes all of the goals you have for yourself. Write about how you feel now versus how you hope to feel one year from now. Making goals for the future—and writing them down—gives you something concrete to work toward. You’ll be able to see all the progress you’ve made by opening the letter a year from now.

Enjoy the Process

Far too often, individuals only make weight-loss goals that focus on the outcome, not the process itself. You may feel overwhelmed about a high weight-loss goal, so try focusing on process goals instead. Focus on learning to enjoy the process and increasing your ability. For instance, you may choose to focus on the increase in how much weight you can lift, how long you can run, how many push-ups you can do, or how flexible you become. Don’t forget to celebrate these successes! You may want to begin a food and activity journal to keep track of your accomplishments.

Find the Right Plan

It is going to be incredibly difficult and discouraging attempting to adjust to a routine that simply does not fit your lifestyle. Instead of making a weight-loss plan that makes it near-impossible for you to succeed, make a plan that accommodates your lifestyle. If you work very early in the morning, don’t make yourself get up at 3AM for a workout. Instead, incorporate a visit to the gym after your shift. If you are severely restricting your food intake, consider that dieting is limiting and can cause people to fail. Instead, focus on the healthy foods you do love.

If you need a little extra motivation, consider reaching out and finding a support system. A group of people on a similar journey can really keep you motivated!