Motivating yourself to lose weight isn't always easy, especially if you have tried before. Long-term weight loss typically requires changing lifestyle habits which for many of us are very hard to maintain.
The good news is that many people have successfully lost weight for the long-term and there are a few proven rules that we can all follow which will improve our chances of success.
Staying motivated is a 3 step process.
Like all goals, weight loss goals need to be S.M.A.R.T. In this context S.M.A.R.T. stands for Specific, Measurable, Realistic, Attainable and Timely. 1. Ensure the goals you set are very specific and clear. Instead of setting a goal to lose weight or be healthier, set a specific goal to lose 2cm off your waistline or to walk 5 kilometres a day. 2. Choose a goal that can be broken down into measurable steps. Doing this will help keep you motivated because it will remind you that achieving your end goal shouldn't happen over-night and you can start to enjoy the satisfaction of achieving each step towards your ultimate goal sooner. 3. Don't set goals that are too far out or unattainable. Doing so only forces you to judge yourself overly hard and you'll end up loosing motivation quickly and quitting. It's far better to set yourself an intermediate goal that is at least part way towards your ultimate goal and once you've achieved that set yourself a further goal that to start off ballistic. When writing your plan make sure it includes at least some of the following: Surround yourself with supportive people who'll encourage you all the way. Get together with people who have the same aspirations as you. Exercise regularly. As well as helping you lose weight it helps fill your brain with oxygen and allows you to do your daily tasks with more vigor and energy. Get plenty of sleep and recharge yourself everyday. Don't be too hard on yourself. If you lose 4kgs in 3 months when your goal was to lose 5kgs, congratulate yourself rather than thinking you've failed. Focus on habits and the goals achieve themselves. Instead of setting a goal to lose 20kgs, try making your goal to walk every day or to lift weights 3 times a week. Keep a journal. Writing about how much fun exercising is or about how proud you are of yourself for overcoming obstacles can be very motivating. Make new friends. If you aspire to greatness, spend time with great people. Join a gym and spend time with people you can learn from and be inspired by. Join a support group on the Internet, in group therapy, or even just a bunch of friends who get together once a week to talk about their struggles and success. Watch educational and inspirational television or movies. Read educational and inspirational articles in magazines or on the internet (just like the one you're ready now). Get your family and friends involved. Start taking your kids out for bike rides or go walking with your friends once a week. Sign up for a race or event. Now you have a tangible reason to put your runners on - you're in training. Choose an event that's happening about 8 to 10 weeks from now. That should give you enough time to get back in the exercise groove. Find a workout partner. Research has proven that people who exercise with a spouse, friend, or coworker are more likely to stick with it. Try something new. Boredom is a big cause of waning motivation. Change your jogging route. Hop on a bike and explore new areas of your neighborhood. Sign up for a yoga class. Get excited! Get started. Don't know where or how to start? Get help from a professional like a dietitian or personal fitness trainer.
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