Success Series #3 – Need a Shot of Self-Confidence?
Celebrate Small Victories
At least, for me, its easy to lose confidence if I’m not reaching my weight loss goals the way I’d hoped. There’s always the temptation to blame myself. You know how it goes: you tell yourself that you just don’t have the staying power or will power to lose the weight.
Here’s a trick – you’ve managed to lose 5 pounds so far, which may not sound like a lot when you compare it to your overall goal. The next time you’re at the grocery store – grab a 5lb back of flour, sugar or potatoes. Carry it around with you as you shop.
It’s getting heavy, hey??
That’s the amount of excess weight you used to carry all the time. Five pounds on the scale may not seem like much, but when you tote it around in your arms and think of it as the fat you’ve lost – - you realize what a big accomplishment it really is!
Also, remember – pounds aren’t the only measure of success. Make a list of other benefits you’ve gained by following your diet and exercise program:
- Maybe your clothes aren’t as tight anymore?
- Maybe you’re more flexible?
- Maybe your energy and stamina have improved?
- Maybe you’re eating a healthier diet?
- Maybe you’re losing inches and toning muscle?
If you can make one change.. you can make two. If you can make two changes.. you can make three. Get the idea?
My motivator for the week? I’ve lost 10lbs total so far (I’ve been at this roughly a month). With those 10 pounds I have also lost 12 inches! The inch loss is appearing (or I should say dissapearing) from my waist and hip area, mostly (right where I need it!). I was de-railed on my program .. right in the middle of it because I had a gallbladder attack and had to have my gallbladder removed. Using my usual and old habits.. I *almost* let that completely de-motivate me.. because once I step off my diet and workout program, for some reason.. it’s really hard for me to get back on it. Trust me, I will use anything as an excuse! And surgery felt like a pretty damn good excuse! Although, the gallbladder surgery was a pretty minor procedure (done via laproscope) – and my recovery was quick… hardly any pain after two days and the very small incisions are healing very nicely.
Luanne, my personal trainer, kept encouraging me and gave me about a week before she called and said “Come on down to the gym – - don’t be worried.. we’ll keep it light and simple, ok?” – - so I dragged myself in and I am really glad that I did. I felt so much better afterwards…and have kept up my regular visits..and feel really motivated to keep moving!
Good luck!