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Weight Loss Motivation
Winsome Coutts
You've decided it's time to take off those extra pounds.
It doesn't really matter how they got there, or why you want
them gone now. It's just time. Most people make the commitment
to lose weight twice a year, once around the New Year, and
again as summer approaches. Most people are not successful.
Why? Because they lack weight loss motivation. It is nearly
impossible to lose weight or accomplish any big goal, without
proper and on-going motivation.
So, where does weight loss motivation come from?
First and foremost, it must come from within. Deciding to
lose weight because your partner wants you to, or because
you want to look like Beyonce or Matthew McConaughey is fine,
except it probably won't work too well. Your weight loss motivation
must start with you. Your reason for losing weight must be
that you sincerely want to do this for yourself. Once you've
established this, you need to add healthy motivators to your
arsenal.
Here are some ways to find motivation and inspiration:
Make your weight loss goals attainable.
If you need to lose 100 lbs, you are not going to do it in
a month, regardless of what the infomercials tell you. But
if your goal is to lose 8 to 10 lbs a month resulting in losing
the whole 100 lbs in about a year, that's very realistic and
you will find it much easier to attain weight loss success.
Use visualization as a tool.
Visualization is a wonderful inspirational tool that can help
you achieve any type of goal, not just weight loss. Every
day when you wake up, take time to close your eyes and create
a mental image of yourself as you lose weight. How will you
look in one month? How will you look in six months? In a year?
Take time to see all the details. The size tags on your clothes,
the bathing suit you will be able to wear, and the tailored
suit or fitted dress. You can do this by writing the details
in a journal as well.
Adopt the healthy habits of people who are at the weight
and fitness level you admire (within reason of course).
Matthew McConaughey and Beyonce probably each workout for
several hours every week. That may not be realistic for you.
But you can still increase your exercise and employ eating
habits that are healthy. Maybe you don't want to give up the
sugary treats and get on the treadmill. But it is a simple
fact that slim people are slim because they get more exercise
and eat healthier. Emulate those good slim habits.
Joining a weight loss group.
Joining a weight loss group is a fantastic way to get plenty
of weight loss inspiration. You can share triumphs and you
can also give each other moral support. You will hear of other's
weight loss successes and gain inspiration from them. Weight
loss groups can be the kind where you attend regular meetings
or they can be virtual groups that you join online.
Join a gym.
For some, spending the money on a gym membership is enough
motivation to go and workout on a regular basis. If you want
to join a gym, make sure you make use of the membership. Cardio
and strength training are one of the best ways to lose weight
and get in great shape. Besides, you can see others at all
levels of fitness at the gym from beginner to advanced. It's
inspiring to see all those other people working to accomplish
the same goals that you have.
Other ways to stay inspired and motivated.
Other ways to keep yourself inspired and motivated might include
having a friend to exercise with so that when one of you is
feeling lazy, the other can be the motivator. You can also
place photos of yourself when you were slim where you can
see them every day. If you were never slim, find a nice photo
of someone who is and put it on the refrigerator or in another
conspicuous spot. Other ways to self-motivate could be to
keep a journal of how you are feeling, what you are eating,
and what kinds of exercise you've done each day. Make sure
that when you accomplish a goal, whether it's one pound or
one jeans size that you give yourself the credit you deserve
for sticking to it.
The process of losing weight can be an inspiring experience
when you see that you have the power to creatively find motivation
and change your life. Once you decide that you want to lose
weight for your own sake, you're on the right path. Remember
that weight loss inspiration and motivation begins with you.
Find the techniques that work best for you, and remember to
honor your successes. Good luck!
Winsome Coutts' special topics include personal development,
weight loss, setting goals, life happiness and self growth.
For free e-books, tools and information about your Health
and Wellness go to: http://www.4lifeselfhelp.com/
Article Source: http://www.positivearticles.com
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