From Struggle to Strength: How to Stay Motivated on Your Weight – Loss Journey”

Getting started with a weight loss journey is easy — the hard part is staying motivated through the journey. We are often excited for the first few weeks of losing weight, but the excitement turns into frustration when the weight loss slows down, or life gets in the way. But true transformation does not happen overnight; it comes from consistent effort, patience, and belief in yourself.

If you are feeling stuck, unmotivated, or thinking of quitting, you are not alone. Every successful journey has points of struggle, and switching your thinking to use those struggles as a point of strength, is important. Here are tips on how to stay motivated to achieve your weight loss goals, even when it seems tough:

• 1. Always Remember Your Why: Pay attention to your “why” before even thinking about calories or workouts.
  Do you want to feel healthier? To have a little more energy? Or maybe you want to just feel better about yourself? Your “why” is your anchor. Write it down and put it somewhere that you can view it often, ideally, your mirror or your phone or your fridge. If you having low motivation, remember your reason. It will serve as your power when it seems like the trip is longer than it really has been.

Setting Realistic, Achievable Goals

Many people become unmotivated because they have unrealistic expectations — losing 10 pounds in 7 days, for example. Weight loss is a process and is not going to happen overnight. Try setting smaller, more realistic measurable goals. For example, you might want to try for 1-2 pounds lost per week, drinking more water, or even moving for 30 minutes every day.

Accept and celebrate every little milestone achieved along the way. Even small steps forward are still steps forward.

3. Progress, Not Perfection

You do not have to be perfect in order to be successful. There will be days when you miss a workout or dine off plan — it happens. The most important thing is to just keep moving forward.

Progress isn’t always measured by the number on a scale — progress can be how you feel, how your clothes fit, how much stronger you are, and/or how much more energy you have.

4. Have Fun with Your Planning

Feeling like you are “punishing yourself” with strict planning can make it even more challenging to stay motivated about your goals. While it is important to accept that there are things you “cannot do” due to your health status, spend your time planning for many things you “can do.”

Experience new healthy food options.

Sign up for a dance, yoga or other exercise class.

Go for a walk outside to appreciate nature.

As long as the process is fun and enjoyable to you, it is more likely you will be consistent!

5. Create a Support System

Motivation is more likely to thrive in a positive environment – tell your friends or family members about your goals, and ask them to help by being positive and not criticize you. You can also join in-person classes or search social media for communities where people are looking for support, accountability and encouragement.

Having someone to share your struggles or victories with along the way certainly makes it feel like you are not alone or having as much fun doing it either!