Everyone has trouble with their motivation from time to time, but don’t let it get you down – its normal! If you are having trouble staying motivated, now is the time to identify what is causing it and how to fix it. Have you set realistic and attainable weight loss goals? Have you sat down and really identified WHY you want to lose weight? You should do that before setting any goals.
A lot of times our motivation is lacking because a) we set our sights too high and need to re-evaluate our goals or b) we forget why we want to lose weight in the first place and thus lose the passion we started out with. What originally was driving you to embark on your weight loss journey?
Why Do You Want To Lose Weight?
If you’ve lost your way, or can’t see the forest through the tress – get out a notebook or journal. It’s time to get back to the basics and figure out what is propelling you to lose weight. You MUST have your own reasons for losing weight, and not be driven by others who want you to lose weight (such as family or doctors). You need to be clear on why it is something that you want, so that you are able to develop a passion towards reaching that goal.
Continue Keeping a Diary or Weight Loss Journal
Don’t just write in your journal during those times you feel less motivated – write in it every day! Keep track of all of the positive steps you’ve taken towards your goals. When your motivation IS low, you can pick up your journal and feel uplifted at all of the progress you’ve made. The goal is to focus on the positives in your journey, not the negatives. Remember there are no rules to keeping a journal, you decide what get written down and how you organize it. Try creating a list of all of the good things you’ve accomplished and what you like about yourself physically. Just keep it all positive!
Remind Yourself What Happens If You Don’t Pursue Your Weight Loss Goals
This relates to understanding why you want to lose weight. We are driven towards our goals because we see the results as pleasure, or we see the results as moving away from pain. It is pain or pleasure that motivates human beings, in simple terms. So, do you see yourself accomplishing your goals for pleasure (i.e. to feel better about yourself, healthier, more attractive, etc.)? Or do you focus on moving away from pain – such as losing weight to help you breathe better, not feeling so sick and tired, having muscles that don’t ache all of the time. Whatever your mindset is, take a few minutes and remind yourself how your life will be, or how your body will feel, if you do not pursue your weight loss goals.
Get Your Mind On Something Else!
Sometimes the problem with lack of motivation is just simply the fact that you are obsessing about your goals and what “looms ahead”. If this is you then it’s time to get your mind on something – anything! If you have a passion or hobby, now is the time to dive in and get involved. Sitting around with too much idle time will likely provoke thoughts of snacking and you’ll end up just making it harder on yourself in the long run.