Your motivation likely is at its peak at the beginning of your weight loss program. The excitement and anticipation of a leaner you boosts your willpower to resist the temptation to cheat. You may lose your motivation midway through your program. This is the point where most people fail and end up right back where they began--and heavier to boot. Learn how to stay motivated so you can reach your goal. Provide yourself with an incentive once you achieve your fitness goal. Celebrate with a new wardrobe or hairstyle.
Step 1
Remind yourself of the reasons you decided to lose weight. Take a self-assessment to see if your reasons are still as important to you now as they were before. Weight loss progress often comes with new motivations for staying on track. Focus on the fact that you can buy clothes in a smaller size and perform physical activities you weren't able to do before you started your weight loss plan.
Step 2
Don’t make the scale your only measure of progress. Be proud of every inch you lose. Enjoy how it takes much less effort to perform simple movements, such as crossing your legs or reaching to scratch your back when it itches. Appreciate being able to break into a slow jog without getting out of breath, having more energy and sleeping better than you have in months or even years. Take pictures of your weight loss progress so you have a visual incentive to stay motivated.
Step 3
Assess your diet and exercise plan to see if it's time for a change. Start a diet blog or journal of your progress. Seeing your food intake in print helps you spot modifications you may need to make to your diet and workout regimen. Try a new type of exercise that is fun and more challenging.
Step 4
Focus on achieving small goals throughout your program. It will seem less daunting if you focus on losing weight in 10- to 20-lb. increments until you reach your goal, instead of obsessing over losing 50 or 100 lbs. Reward yourself with new clothing, a haircut or a facial for each 10- or 20-lb. goal reached. Avoid food rewards.
Step 5
Be easy on yourself and seek the support of a friend or family member. Anticipate days where you will slip off track. A family crisis or illness can derail even the most disciplined dieter. Stressing over a missed workout or eating binge is a waste of energy better spent on getting back on track by your next meal or workout. Join a weight loss support group to network with people who have similar goals. Join an online group if you can't find a support group in your community.
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