Weight loss comes with highs and lows when it comes to your motivation. Long-term goals and rewards are useful, but other times you need an immediate boost to your motivation. When you find it particularly difficult to stay on track, quick inspirations help you get yourself to the gym or walk away from chocolate.
Success Stories
The weight loss success of others provides a quick dose of inspiration if you are having a rough day. Look for stories that are similar to your own situation as a reminder that you can be successful at losing weight. Surround yourself with others who have lost weight or are going through the process currently. Hearing about their triumphs and struggles serves as a motivator for your own situation. If you don't have anyone in your own life as a weight loss role model, women's magazines and healthy living blogs are two sources for finding success stories.
Mantra
A weight-loss mantra is a short phrase that provides inspiration as you are exercising or making healthy choices. If you find yourself reaching toward your second cupcake at an office party, repeat your mantra in your head. The mantra that you find inspirational is a matter of personal preference and experience. One example is to tell yourself "just for today" I'll do a particular healthy choice. This makes the task seem less daunting because one day isn't difficult. Another mantra idea is to ask yourself, "Is it worth it?" This works for either positive or negative things. If you're about to eat a doughnut, the answer is likely no. If you're deciding whether or not to exercise, the answer should be yes. Inspirational quotes work for some people.
Progress
If you've already started losing weight, your progress to that point is a source of quick inspiration. When faced with a challenging decision that affects your weight loss, look in the mirror to remind yourself of the hard work you've done so far. Photos from the beginning of your weight loss help you see your progress. Another idea is to weight yourself and compare it to your starting weight. All of these progress reminders help you realize you've come too far to throw it all out the window for a candy bar.
Social Media
Social media allows you to receive feedback, advice and inspiration from others any time of day. Using your personal blog to share your weight loss struggles leads others to provide you with inspiring stories or encouraging comments. Sites like Facebook and Twitter allow you to put out a message when you're feeling weak or are struggling with your weight loss plan. These social media outlets remind you that you aren't alone as your struggle to lose weight.
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