How to Motivate Yourself to Lose Weight

You want to lose weight and may already have some ideas on how to make it happen. Sometimes finding the motivation, and especially keeping it, can be a challenge. Staying committed pays off in the long run but when you face common obstacles, you may find yourself disheartened. Don’t worry because there are practical solutions that can help you stay motivated and work towards your goals.

Know Your Why

When you struggle with motivation, it may be because you haven’t sat down to understand why you are working on losing weight. Understanding and reminding yourself of your reasons can make a significant difference in your process. Are you aiming to shed pounds for health reasons, to take better care of your family, to participate in social activities that are currently challenging? Coming from a positive place and having goals beyond the number on the scale can help you stick to the healthy habits you are building.

If you need some inspiration to get started, weight loss can help:

• Reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease
• Make sleep more restful
• Alleviate joint pain and increase mobility
• Improve blood sugar control
• Lower cholesterol levels
• Enhance your sex life
• Uplift your mood

Set Realistic Goals

Learning to look beyond touted “quick and easy” diets, it can be difficult to accept doctors’ recommendations of slower but more sustainable weight loss. You want to see results soon and if it takes longer than you hoped, it might be frustrating. This is why setting realistic goals can prevent you from giving up. Even a 5 to 10 percent weight loss can make a positive difference for your health.

Choosing SMART goals is a useful option:

• Specific
• Measurable
• Attainable
• Relevant
• Time-bound

While numbers are important when creating goals, you also want to focus on building habits and implementing behaviors that support your health. Choosing some goals that aren’t weight-related can also promote long-term motivation.

Find a Support Network

A support system can help you start on your weight-loss journey and keep going when motivation ebbs and flows. You could team up with relatives or friends to create healthier habits, offer support when encountering setbacks, and celebrate successes. Working with a fitness instructor or joining a support group are also effective options.

If you feel like you aren’t making progress or easily losing motivation, you may want to consult a doctor or nutrition professional. They can review your medical history and discuss your lifestyle to determine what may work better for you. Their guidance and accountability can make a big difference.

Forgive Yourself

Perfection isn’t mandatory to lose weight. Avoiding an “all or nothing” approach will help you succeed. If you restrict too much, you may get caught in a negative loop if you indulge every once in a while. Mistakes happen, so don’t beat yourself up. Forgive yourself and get back on track. That one cupcake isn’t going to ruin all the progress you’ve been making. Challenges and setbacks are part of any process, so plan for them as best you can, but also show yourself grace when you deviate from your new health standards. You don’t build habits in a single day, so take things one at a time and your progress will develop over time for satisfying results and a healthier lifestyle.