Has something ever happened that guilted you into starting a weight loss regime? Perhaps you discovered that you had outgrown a favorite outfit; maybe you overheard a child making an insensitive comment.
These events stick with us, forcing us to acknowledge that we are not where we want to be. This emotionally-charged and uncomfortable process often inspires us to jump into action and try to lose weight as quickly as possible.
Oftentimes, however, we forget to consider why weight loss is important to us. Yes, it hurts to realize that we have gained weight, and we all want to feel good about how we look. However, understanding our unique reasons for wanting to take weight off (our personal motivators) is essential to our success. "Looking good" is only deeply compelling for a few of us. Most people require motivators that are deeper and more personal.
Before you undertake a new weight-loss regimen, try grabbing a pen and paper and answering the following questions:
- What would be different in your life if you lost weight?
- How would you feel, look, act?
- How would this impact your social, physical and emotional wellness?
Make sure that you continue this line of questioning until you have a generous list of reasons for making this change. Run through the list and pick out the reasons that are most important to you. There is no personal trainer, dietician, health coach, or health care provider that can tell you why YOU want to lose weight. You are the expert and the only person who really has this information.
Once you have identified your motivators, keep reminders close at hand when you start your weight-loss regime. Frequent reminders of the positive, personal reasons for making change help to keep us focused, especially when things get difficult. Be Well!
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