Achieving a goal weight can become a lifelong struggle if it isn't supported by a healthy mindset. According to Psychology Today, the pressure many put on themselves to reach that "thin" mark can have a dismal effect, causing depression and fluctuations in weight. If you're trying to succeed at losing--and keeping off--pounds, it's important to look at your weight as just one small piece of the big picture.
Think "Healthy," Not "Thin"
Avoid fixing your sights on fad diets and pictures of skinny magazine models; instead, meditate on what "ideal health" means to you. Focus on being fit rather than emaciated, full and energetic rather than starved and weak. Whereas a deprived body can sustain itself only for so long, an energetic body will ultimately achieve its ideal weight. Know that as soon as you begin to make healthy choices--even if you can't see or feel the results right away--you are becoming healthier on a daily basis. See the "Food Pyramid" resource to learn how to maintain a balanced diet.
Keep Your Eyes on the Prize
Once you understand that being healthy is more important than being skinny, come up with a tangible manifestation of that goal. For example, when you become healthy enough to run a marathon or climb a mountain, maybe you will reward yourself with that trip to Hawaii you have always dreamed about. Surround yourself with pictures of marathons, mountains, Hawaii or whatever it is that will keep you motivated to achieve your dream.
Stay in Touch with You
Maintain a health journal that encapsulates everything from your workout times, to mini goals and milestones reached, to the positive dietary choices you've made. Personalize this health journal with inspirational quotes and images, and feel free to write in it as a diary when you need to vent about struggles or praise your successes. You can use this journal as a helpful tool in many arenas. For example, when trying to decide whether to eat a piece of celebratory chocolate cake you can look at your daily dietary choices before deciding; when you need some extra motivation you can review all of your successes thus far.
Motivate Other People
Perhaps you and a friend can join forces in a mutual resolution to become healthier, or perhaps you would like to become part of an already-established weight loss group. Being part of a "health team" will give you the opportunity to motivate others when they feel down. In motivating others, you will perpetuate a positive mindset that will extend to yourself. Moreover, in being part of a motivational team you will receive encouragement from others when you feel low on positive energy.
Stay Positive
"Stay positive" is easier said than done, but it becomes easier with consistent practice. Surround yourself only with positive influences: listen to uplifting music, read uplifting and healthy-minded literature, watch uplifting television and films, and stick around positive people. Leave yourself encouraging notes that will help perpetuate that mindset throughout your day. For example, sticky notes with positive quotes and other messages of health and love on your bedroom mirror, refrigerator, microwave and work desk.
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