Motivate Yourself To Lose Weight

Often times, many people find it difficult motivating themselves to achieve weight loss especially if they have made such attempt before. To be frank, long term weight loss achievement demands changes in lifestyle habits which many people find tough to comply with.

Of course, many people have recorded a long term breakthrough in their weight loss pursuit. However, there are some proven rules to adhere to if you wish to achieve a weight loss breakthrough via motivation. These rules have been compiled into a three step process.

Strict adherence to the rules given below will position you for a long-term weight loss motivation and achievement of your ideal healthy weight.

Rule 1- Remind yourself why you want to embark on weight loss

This is the first step to long-term weight loss motivation. Below are some popular reasons why people desire to embark on weight loss.

• They wish to minimize weight related illness through weight loss.
• Their physical outlook makes them feel unhappy.
• They want to prevent being losing out on good offers of life and become more active.
• They desire to seek a life partner.

Whatever reason may be yours, acknowledge the fact that it is essential to make any sacrifice to effect significant changes.

Rule 2: Act

For you to act, you should set attainable goals and embark on specific plans.

1. Set attainable goals

Just like all goals, weight loss goals should be attainable, specific, easily measured, timely and realistic. Each of these features will be discussed below:

• Measurable– you should be able to break your goal into measurable steps. This will boost your motivation since you will be constantly reminded that you cannot achieve them overnight while you can begin to enjoy the satisfaction that comes with the achievement of each step of the goal soonest.

• Attainable-your goals should be attainable; otherwise, you will judge yourself overly hard and end up losing motivation. This may lead to frustration and quitting. To prevent this ugly occurrence, set your goals in part or in batches. Once you’ve achieved that, set yourself a further goal until you achieve your total ultimate goals. For instance, if you aim to lose 10kgs in one week, you will fail. However, setting a goal to lose 5kg within six months and when you’ve achieved that, aiming a further 5kg weight loss will keep you motivated.

• Realistic-your goal must represent an objective which is achievable. This feature is different from attainable because it depends on your ability to achieve it. An instance of this is setting a goal of absolutely avoiding chocolate consumption. This goal is attainable, but not realistic for many people.

• Timely-every goal needs a time frame. This serves as an end point which gives a clear target to work towards. Your commitment will be too vague in the absence of time setting because you may feel you can start at any time, hence, you may not achieve your goal. The absence of time limit will bring delay in taking immediate action.

2. Embark on specific plans

Here, you will plan how your goals will be achieved. Specific plans ensure you are not only on track, but also get motivated. The secret is to often read and modify them whenever the need arises. Your written plans should include some of the following:

• Always be in company of supportive people who will serve as source of encouragement to you.
• Stay in company of people who share the same aspirations with you.
• Engage in regular exercise. This will help you achieve weight loss and enhance vigor and strength.
• Sleep and rest as at when due. This will enhance full restoration.
• Do not be too rigid with your plans. Assuming you shed 5 kg in 2 months rather than 10kg initially set as goal, encourage yourself and be happy rather than being discouraged.
• Concentrate on both the habits and the goals. For instance, rather than setting a goal to lose 25kgs, make a goal of taking a walk daily or to lift weights thrice weekly.
• Keep a diary of how happy and proud you are whenever you overcome obstacles. This can be very motivating.
• Spend quality time with great people who can inspire and motivate you, should you aspire to be great. You can also join a gym.
• Identify an online support group and join them. Here, you will come across people who share their struggles and success.
• Watch inspirational and educational programmes on the television.
• Read educational and inspirational articles.
• Watch educational and inspirational television or movies.
• Read educational and inspirational articles in magazines or on the internet.
• Involve your family and friends. Take your kids out for walking.
• Get a workout partner. Studies have revealed that people who exercise with a spouse, friend, or co-worker are more liable to continue with it.
• Experiment new things. Boredom is a major threat to motivation. Jog on a new route. Hop on a bike and explore new routes in your neighborhood. Join a yoga class.
• Seek a professional help from an experienced dietitian or personal fitness trainer.

Rule 3 – Reward your achievements

A great way of staying motivated is to rewarding yourself for sticking to your weight loss program.

Utilize self-motivating positive rewards as they will assist you along the way to achieving your goals. For instance, you can purchase an exercise bike for yourself or join a gym rather than rewarding yourself with fish fillets or chocolate mud cake.

Concentrate on rewarding yourself no matter how small for each step along your journey. An instance of this is rewarding yourself with a favorite gift after strict adherence to the first week of your modified eating. Reward may also involve going to the movies.

Giving yourself bigger rewards is also a nice idea. Examples are purchasing yourself tickets to a concert, going on a vacation, embarking on a weekend trip, etc, for achieving long-term goals.