subject: Never Give Up - Use These 4 Tips To Keep Your Motivation Strong! [print this page] Never Give Up - Use These 4 Tips To Keep Your Motivation Strong!
It's tough to lose weight, especially today. Look at all the things you must battle: hunger, genetics, lifestyle . . . and sometimes, the shame of your gut hanging out when you're at the gym with all those hardbodies. Given these and other obstacles, it's easy to consider giving up. Take heart - these tips will help you keep your motivation high.
Make the New You More Real by Seeing It!
Lots of us were in great shape when we were younger - in high school, say, or in college. Is that your case? If that's so, outstanding! Find some old pictures of yourself and use them for inspiration. Look at yourself - remember the feeling that came from having a trim, fit body that responded quickly to every demand you placed on it?
On the other hand, some of us weren't really all that fit in school. Don't worry, we can visualize our new bodies as well! Your new body is going to take some time to make, so now, take a few minutes and really visualize it thoroughly. You know how important it is to have goals and deadlines, but keep them reasonable. If you set a goal of losing five to ten pounds a month, and can stick to it, that's a good determination.
Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is
Show the depth of your commitment by taking a risk. Buy yourself a nice article of clothing, pants perhaps, in the size you want to achieve and hang it where you'll see it every day - like right there in your bedroom. Nobody enjoys wasting money, and so these pants, or whatever they are, will be a constant reminder to you of your goal. Many people get a lot of mileage out of this particular motivational tip.
If You Want Something Done Right, Sometimes You Need To Get A Little Help . . .
Frankly, there are many tasks we need to do that if we're left alone to do them, often won't get done. Working out is one of them. Backing out isn't so easy, though, if you have a regular workout partner. It's easier to live up to things like doing your workouts when there are others depending on you.
An accountability friend is another option. It's a technique successful salespeople use in developing good habits. Each and every day, right before knocking off for the day, send your accountability friend a short email listing everything you ate during the day. Be honest and specific! Once you get into the habit, the simple fact that you're bound to tell someone else about your eating will help you resist all sorts of temptations.
Of all the weight-loss motivators I know of, this is one of the most powerful.
Pat Yourself on the Back
Maybe your body's gotten so out of shape it's a source of shame. I understand. A weight loss plan takes time, and for many it's frequently unpleasant at times. There's no reason it has to be constantly oppressive, though. If your weight loss program went well this week, it's okay to recognize that achievement with a little treat! You can have a special dessert to mark the occasion.
Life without the occasional treat or reward, especially when you're doing well in your weight loss program and achieving your goals, can be very frustrating. Some people who stick to a rigid plan without rewards will actually sabotage themselves. A little goodie now and then, taken as a reward for successfully completing another week of your weight loss program, will go a long way toward helping to keep your cravings and frustration under control.
You'll have an easier time achieving your weight loss goals if you make use of these motivating tips. Never forget, though, that if you should happen to slip up, it's not the end of the world. Nobody's perfect, and plenty of good people have messed up on a weight loss program. Just get over it and get back to work!
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