Buy smaller size for motivation/reward

astrose00

Does anyone do this? If so, what did you buy? When do you expect to wear it? I bought a pair of dress slacks in size 6. I'm currently a size 12. I have them hanging in the closet and dream about the day they will fit. I loved buying them because it was a vote of confidence that I know I will reach my goal. I'm thinking I will be wearing them in the spring... Can't wait!!!

jgnatca

No.
I celebrate after hitting a milestone by going shopping.
I personally don't work well with deprivation motivation, which this would be for me (stare at it and can't have it).
How about getting yourself a shopping gift card to be used when you hit goal?

beamer0821

i waver on this one.
sometimes i think buying the smaller size puts too much pressure on myself. and putting pressure on myself never turns out very well and can lead me to a binge which is the opposite of what i want!

but i did have one shirt that i ordered and was too small. but i didnt return and instead made it a goal to get in to. i finally did. but I'm not sure i would do it again.. i dunno.. i know everyone is different on this one.

astrose00

Hmmm, I guess I might be a "want what I can't have" person!!! Lol, I also have some blazers I bought last year that were deeply discounted. As in 4 dollars. I couldn't pass them up. I knew I'd get myself together eventually and be glad I had them. A few of them fit and there's one hanging up that is oh-so-tight. I know when I am able to button it I will be looking smashing. Guess I'm just weird, lol!!!

jgnatca

I bet you will look smashing, too!

astrose00

jgnatca wrote: »

I bet you will look smashing, too!

I hope so. And btw, I do plan on going on a mad shopping spree when I reach my goal. Right now I have a number associated with it but it's really a look; lean, fit and strong.

I realize this post demonstrates my competiveness (sometimes a good thing, other times not so much...). The best way to get me to do something is to tell me I can't do it. I'm gonna have to do some self-reflection about this...

VeryKatie

I would hesitate to do that in case once it fits it could be out of style or I don't like it any more.

NoelFigart1

I try very hard, no matter what happens to my weight, only to have clothes in my closet that fit me and make me happy.

LeenaJean

NoelFigart1 wrote: »

I try very hard, no matter what happens to my weight, only to have clothes in my closet that fit me and make me happy.

This is how I feel. Different things motivate different people, after I had my son I told myself that I would keep my pre pregnancy clothes around as motivation. I wanted to cry every time I would try something on that didn't fit yet. I bagged them up and said goodbye, now I get my high from grabbing a lower size at the store and trying it on in the dressing room, once in a while it fits really well and I am a happy girl

astrose00

Wow, you guys are really making me rethink this!!! I don't mind pressure (in fact, it drives me) but I think maybe it's about being happy where I am at the time... I'm still keeping the pants, lol, but maybe I not thinking about this the right way. I was thinking this was a positive motivator but maybe it's more symbolic of me not recognizing my current accomplishments and being a perfectionist. I love how I do self-therapy in the midst of a message board.

Thanks for the input!

beamer0821

i used to think "pressure" worked for me too. i now know better

NoelFigart1

Well, other people are motivated by different things. If it's only a size down or something, it might be okay as a motivator. But I sure wouldn't get something a LOT smaller that is discouragingly far in the future.

astrose00

I was in a clothing store with my sister over the weekend. She's also losing weight. She picked up an XXL (I actually thought it was too big) and I criticized her for buying a size she currently wears because I thought it was saying that she had a defeatist attitude. I said "you know you will be smaller so why not buy the smaller size?". She said because it fits right now. I'll have to go tell her I was wrong! Yikes...

NoelFigart1

If one does not have unlimited money (I don't) and wants to extend the life of clothing, buying things that are a princess seam can be great, because they're MUCH easier to take in.

I'm actually going to be spending some time tomorrow taking in at least the waist on some pants that are now getting a bit loose after my 15-odd lb weight loss.

LeenaJean

astrose00 wrote: »

Wow, you guys are really making me rethink this!!! I don't mind pressure (in fact, it drives me) but I think maybe it's about being happy where I am at the time... I'm still keeping the pants, lol, but maybe I not thinking about this the right way. I was thinking this was a positive motivator but maybe it's more symbolic of me not recognizing my current accomplishments and being a perfectionist. I love how I do self-therapy in the midst of a message board.

Thanks for the input!

I suppose we did kinda kill your buzz, sorry about that but your self therapy session was very entertaining to read, I think it's important to keep focused on your goals, but, if you don't acknowledge how far you've come you might end up like a horse with a dangling carrot.

astrose00

NoelFigart1 wrote: »

If one does not have unlimited money (I don't) and wants to extend the life of clothing, buying things that are a princess seam can be great, because they're MUCH easier to take in.

I'm actually going to be spending some time tomorrow taking in at least the waist on some pants that are now getting a bit loose after my 15-odd lb weight loss.

Congrats! What is a princess seam? I bought two really nice warm coats last year which are now too big. I'm happy I'm getting fitter but wow what a waste of money. I plan on losing a total of 80lbs + (already lost 35lbs of that) so I doubt I can still wear them much longer without looking ridiculous. I will donate them but would love to be able to take them in. I have long arms so I would sometime get an XL (even though I was not fat) and that would have to work. I wonder if there is a way to take a coat in?

PrizePopple

I buy most of my stuff at thrift stores, so I will buy as I need it and if I happen to find something cute that is smaller I will grab it and tuck it away. It's nice to have a few things on hand for awkward moments like the other day when I put a pair of my jeans on and by the end of the day I was constantly having to pull them up. Those are going to be donated back to the thrift store, and I can pull out the size 12 jeans that I got that were a tad too snug when I purchased them. When I reach my goal I will buy some brand new stuff as a reward, but I doubt I'll go crazy because I just can't validate spending the money.

NoelFigart1

A princess seam is when you have a somewhat fitted garment with seams going right over the boobs, instead of getting its shape from darts or from being made from a knit fabric that drapes well over curves. Those seams are great places to take in an outfit when it is too large.

AS far as your coats are concerned, it depends on what kind of coats you have. A fabric one, say made of wool and lined with some sort of satiny material? Yeah, you can take them in a bit. Something more high tech, like a coat you'd get for wet weather that you'd buy at L.L. Bean for skiiing or something, not so much (Dammit. I have a GREAT and expensive coat that I am not going to be able to wear next year because it's going to be too big.)

Though even with a wool coat, I'd strongly encourage you to talk to someone who sews REALLY well (if not professionally) before you did anything to it. A tailor could handle it, surely. (Though, as with any personal service, the good stuff ain't cheap)

astrose00

LeenaJean wrote: »

astrose00 wrote: »

Wow, you guys are really making me rethink this!!! I don't mind pressure (in fact, it drives me) but I think maybe it's about being happy where I am at the time... I'm still keeping the pants, lol, but maybe I not thinking about this the right way. I was thinking this was a positive motivator but maybe it's more symbolic of me not recognizing my current accomplishments and being a perfectionist. I love how I do self-therapy in the midst of a message board.

Thanks for the input!

I suppose we did kinda kill your buzz, sorry about that but your self therapy session was very entertaining to read, I think it's important to keep focused on your goals, but, if you don't acknowledge how far you've come you might end up like a horse with a dangling carrot.

lol@ you lol@ my entertaining self-therapy session...

I'm generally receptive to constructive comments so I will definitely take a look at my philosophy and adjust. I want this to be my last weight loss journey so I am humble enough to take sound advice or tips if that will help me be successful. That's why I scour these message board to try to learn from others successes and mistakes. Of course i have to sift through lots of garbage but I usually learn something new everyday... Thanks again.

astrose00

NoelFigart1 wrote: »

A princess seam is when you have a somewhat fitted garment with seams going right over the boobs, instead of getting its shape from darts or from being made from a knit fabric that drapes well over curves. Those seams are great places to take in an outfit when it is too large.

AS far as your coats are concerned, it depends on what kind of coats you have. A fabric one, say made of wool and lined with some sort of satiny material? Yeah, you can take them in a bit. Something more high tech, like a coat you'd get for wet weather that you'd buy at L.L. Bean for skiiing or something, not so much (Dammit. I have a GREAT and expensive coat that I am not going to be able to wear next year because it's going to be too big.)

Though even with a wool coat, I'd strongly encourage you to talk to someone who sews REALLY well (if not professionally) before you did anything to it. A tailor could handle it, surely. (Though, as with any personal service, the good stuff ain't cheap)

My mom was a seamstress (clearly she didn't teach me anything!) but I doubt she is willing dust off her sewing machine for me. She'd probably just go out and buy me a new coat, lol. Yes, my coats are of the nylon with (hopefully, fake) down feathers. I guess I will donate them to someone. I know they will be put to good use. Plus they have some smoking hot winter coats out now that are more fitted and flattering.

Thanks for the explanation!

NikiChicken

I'm taking a very, very slow route with my weight loss. I want it to be sustainable and realistic and I want it to last forever. For me, this plan has worked beautifully. It's taken me almost 3 years to lose 90 pounds and I still have about 30 to go, but my life has changed dramatically and I feel fantastic. That being said, I buy things that fit me right now because I don't want to wait however long it's going to take me to get there and I don't want a closet full of out-dated clothes. I also am proud of how far I've come already and want to show it off in clothes that look pretty and make me feel good. Also, since I have never in my adult life been at a healthy weight, I don't know what that clothing size will be when I get there.

However, if I see a screamin' deal and I love the piece of clothing but it's a size or two too small, I do buy it and store it in my closet for when I do get to a place where it fits. I won't go more than a size or two down though.

DymonNdaRgh40

I saw a cute DKNY dress for a steal a couple of years ago in a size small. The price was too good and so I couldn't pass it up. I hit my goal this year and was able to wear that dress with pride.

I didn't purchase it for motivation although when I saw it in the closet it would motivate me.

astrose00

Lindonesia37 wrote: »

I saw a cute DKNY dress for a steal a couple of years ago in a size small. The price was too good and so I couldn't pass it up. I hit my goal this year and was able to wear that dress with pride.

I didn't purchase it for motivation although when I saw it in the closet it would motivate me.

I'm sure it looked great. Your profile pic is amazing! I'm also going for the lean, muscular look. I had gotten pretty darn close before and got sidetracked after breaking my ankle and stuffing my piehole with crap.

astrose00

NikiChicken wrote: »

I'm taking a very, very slow route with my weight loss. I want it to be sustainable and realistic and I want it to last forever. For me, this plan has worked beautifully. It's taken me almost 3 years to lose 90 pounds and I still have about 30 to go, but my life has changed dramatically and I feel fantastic. That being said, I buy things that fit me right now because I don't want to wait however long it's going to take me to get there and I don't want a closet full of out-dated clothes. I also am proud of how far I've come already and want to show it off in clothes that look pretty and make me feel good. Also, since I have never in my adult life been at a healthy weight, I don't know what that clothing size will be when I get there.

However, if I see a screamin' deal and I love the piece of clothing but it's a size or two too small, I do buy it and store it in my closet for when I do get to a place where it fits. I won't go more than a size or two down though.

My challenge has been and continues to be patience. Congrats on your weightloss. I think the way you are approaching it is very smart. I'm trying to temper my anxiousness to "not be fat" because I want to alleviate some physical challenges I experienced after putting on a lot of weight. I broke my ankle two years ago and know the extra weight continues to hamper me from being completely pain free. So I keep telling myself that once I get to a decent weight/size, I don't mind going really slow to get to my dream body. I'm probably lying to myself but I keep saying it anyway. Maybe it will sink in...

Congrats again.

NikiChicken

astrose00 wrote: »

NikiChicken wrote: »

I'm taking a very, very slow route with my weight loss. I want it to be sustainable and realistic and I want it to last forever. For me, this plan has worked beautifully. It's taken me almost 3 years to lose 90 pounds and I still have about 30 to go, but my life has changed dramatically and I feel fantastic. That being said, I buy things that fit me right now because I don't want to wait however long it's going to take me to get there and I don't want a closet full of out-dated clothes. I also am proud of how far I've come already and want to show it off in clothes that look pretty and make me feel good. Also, since I have never in my adult life been at a healthy weight, I don't know what that clothing size will be when I get there.

However, if I see a screamin' deal and I love the piece of clothing but it's a size or two too small, I do buy it and store it in my closet for when I do get to a place where it fits. I won't go more than a size or two down though.

My challenge has been and continues to be patience. Congrats on your weightloss. I think the way you are approaching it is very smart. I'm trying to temper my anxiousness to "not be fat" because I want to alleviate some physical challenges I experienced after putting on a lot of weight. I broke my ankle two years ago and know the extra weight continues to hamper me from being completely pain free. So I keep telling myself that once I get to a decent weight/size, I don't mind going really slow to get to my dream body. I'm probably lying to myself but I keep saying it anyway. Maybe it will sink in...

Congrats again.

Oh, I didn't say I was never impatient! LOL When I get impatient though, I pull out some pics from where I started and realize how far I have come already. I still have issues that will continue to improve as I drop more weight, but it's amazing how much of my issues have improved and/or gone away completely. Even losing a few pounds will help with your ankle and you'll start feeling better long before you get to goal. That helps with the motivation as well! When you start feeling good, it becomes easier to stick with the plan!

KGRebelRanch

I have a minimalist wardrobe (it happens inevitably when you need function and comfort for work). I don't buy clothes unless
A) I donate clothing (i.e. a shirt when I donate a shirt)
they're on sale
C) they fit, comfortably, and I can move easily in them right then
D) they will last for at least a year.

I have PLENTY of jeans right now in storage I'd LOVE to fit in again, but im not buying new ones.

astrose00

NikiChicken wrote: »

astrose00 wrote: »

NikiChicken wrote: »

I'm taking a very, very slow route with my weight loss. I want it to be sustainable and realistic and I want it to last forever. For me, this plan has worked beautifully. It's taken me almost 3 years to lose 90 pounds and I still have about 30 to go, but my life has changed dramatically and I feel fantastic. That being said, I buy things that fit me right now because I don't want to wait however long it's going to take me to get there and I don't want a closet full of out-dated clothes. I also am proud of how far I've come already and want to show it off in clothes that look pretty and make me feel good. Also, since I have never in my adult life been at a healthy weight, I don't know what that clothing size will be when I get there.

However, if I see a screamin' deal and I love the piece of clothing but it's a size or two too small, I do buy it and store it in my closet for when I do get to a place where it fits. I won't go more than a size or two down though.

My challenge has been and continues to be patience. Congrats on your weightloss. I think the way you are approaching it is very smart. I'm trying to temper my anxiousness to "not be fat" because I want to alleviate some physical challenges I experienced after putting on a lot of weight. I broke my ankle two years ago and know the extra weight continues to hamper me from being completely pain free. So I keep telling myself that once I get to a decent weight/size, I don't mind going really slow to get to my dream body. I'm probably lying to myself but I keep saying it anyway. Maybe it will sink in...

Congrats again.

Oh, I didn't say I was never impatient! LOL When I get impatient though, I pull out some pics from where I started and realize how far I have come already. I still have issues that will continue to improve as I drop more weight, but it's amazing how much of my issues have improved and/or gone away completely. Even losing a few pounds will help with your ankle and you'll start feeling better long before you get to goal. That helps with the motivation as well! When you start feeling good, it becomes easier to stick with the plan!

I can already confirm this. I've lost 35lbs already and I don't even take my GERD meds anymore. Have none of the symptoms. I take the stairs whenever I can and have energy to get up and go. I'm in so much better shape and workout often and intensely. I feel so great, inside and out! I don't know how I forgot or ignored what this could feel like when I was gaining weight. People are noticing the changes and for some reason I shy away from their acknowledgement because I'm not done. I'm gonna have to stop to smell the coffee more often.

astrose00

Coffee? Roses? Whatever.

Lounmoun

I unintentionally bought 2 pairs of pants that were too small in the waist. They fit great in length and everywhere else and are a color/style I love so I kept them. I have vowed to be able to zip them up and wear them comfortably someday. The waist size is not unrealistic for my goal.

If I am buying new clothes though I would want something that fits now or will fit very soon because it would depress me to have a lot of clothes that don't fit now. One or two items could be motivating but not a whole drawer or closet full.

RoseyDgirl

Yes, I do this. I just put in an order for a dress that's a size 16. It was on sale and of a summery fashion so I'm hoping by Summer that it'll fit. I've got about 30 lbs to lose to make that happen - though.

misskarihari

I don't buy anything to fit into later. I have some clothes now that are too small and it will be nice when they fit. When I reach my goal I will buy myself a new watch. That I have for quite some time . Last time I lost weight I bought myself a new perfume that was quite expensive.