Do you struggle with motivation to live a healthy, active life? Let’s face it, working out and eating nutritious foods aren’t typically considered pleasant experiences. You’re already in a comfort zone that you’ve been in for years. Losing weight long-term isn’t about dieting but relies on an actual alteration in your daily lifestyle. So how do you motivate yourself and, most importantly, stay motivated to achieve your goals? Ask yourself these questions to start a successful weight loss journey.
Why Do You Want To Lose Weight?
Before you begin your weight loss journey, you must consider why you want to lose weight. Is it strictly for health reasons (to lower high blood pressure and high cholesterol, lessen the risk of heart disease, or maybe you are pre-diabetic)? Is your primary purpose to improve your looks? Perhaps you are getting married and want to fit in your dream gown. Maybe you get winded easily and want to be able to do more. Whatever your reasons, make sure they are clear to you from the beginning.
Will Your New Habits Fit Into Your Daily Life?
You can do almost anything routinely for a week or two, but trying to suddenly and drastically change your lifestyle will only set you up for failure. Before committing to a routine, make sure it fits your daily life so you won’t have to give up important details like family time. It’s helpful to research the best full body workout to get some ideas of options. Check out different weight loss approaches and create a customized plan.
What Kinds of Physical Activity Do You Enjoy?
Exercising is not enjoyable for most people, but to lose weight, the main objective is to get moving. There are tons of physical activities, so everyone should be able to find at least one or two activities they enjoy.
Do You Have Short- and Long-term Goals?
Setting long-term goals for whatever you want to achieve in life is excellent. However, many goals seem quite unattainable when you first begin. It can be extremely overwhelming and disappointing because even if you’re working hard, you may not feel like you’re making any progress. You must make short-term goals throughout your journey that are challenging but not impossible. These goals will give you the steps to help you navigate and stay on track to the primary goal.
Are Your Goals Realistic?
It’s easy to be so motivated at first that you want to jump in head-first and make a big splash on the first day. However, this is a good way to get burnt out and lose inspiration and motivation early on. When you have unrealistic expectations, self-doubt can creep in when you don’t meet these expectations. Set realistic goals for yourself to improve in smaller steps instead of leaps and bounds. Know that from this day forward, you are only improving.
How Will You Keep Track of Your Progress?
A great way to monitor your progress is to journal each day. You can track your exercise and food intake. It’s also essential to note how you feel physically and mentally. Additionally, track your sleep. You will probably notice your sleep is improving over time, which also promotes weight loss!
Where Can You Find Supportive People?
When you’re trying to lose weight and adopt a healthy lifestyle, it’s essential to surround yourself as much as possible with people who are supportive and preferably living the same type of lifestyle. This way, you won’t be pressured into things that will only cause setbacks, such as skipping the workout you were planning or having a piece of cake that someone brought into your office. Telling supportive people about your aspirations can also help cheer you on and hold you accountable.
It may seem like a steep climb, but losing weight is possible if you have a sturdy plan and the motivation to adhere to it. Take these tips today to begin your journey to better health and finally be proud of yourself for your tremendous accomplishment.
