Where did my motivation go?

Stenobun

A little under a year ago I started eating better (and less) and exercising. I was doing so well. I lost 27 pounds in the first three months, then the loss slowed and I lost another 20 pounds over the next four months. Then, starting about four months ago, my motivation just started to leak away. Since that time, I've been bouncing around 3-4 pounds over my lowest weight. I'm being careful not to gain back what I lost, but I can't seem to get my mojo back. I'm exercising less than I did and eating things I shouldn't be eating, then not logging because I'm embarrassed. I need some success stories of people who have hit this phase and gotten through it, as I still have 50-60 pounds to go before I hit my goal and I'm feeling really overwhelmed.

MinatoandClover

I think I've heard this story a few times from a few different people. You get a jump start when you first start, gradually slow and then plateau. I think a lot of people are or have been in the same boat, so I don't think you're alone. I think you need to get started back up again. It's good that you've continued to be conscientious about your weight so as not to gain. But I think if you get yourself back into it, you'll start seeing more results, again. Be more selective about the foods you eat, start logging again and get back to exercising. If you start back up again, I know you'll start to see results again. Maybe you don't even have to do it all in one go. If you gradually get back to it, maybe you can work yourself back to the point you were at. You've done great so far, so it would be great if you could push through to your goal. And you'll probably plateau a dozen more times before you reach your goal weight. Many people who want to lose a lot of weight often do. But stick with it, because you can do it.

ninerbuff

A little under a year ago I started eating better (and less) and exercising. I was doing so well. I lost 27 pounds in the first three months, then the loss slowed and I lost another 20 pounds over the next four months. Then, starting about four months ago, my motivation just started to leak away. Since that time, I've been bouncing around 3-4 pounds over my lowest weight. I'm being careful not to gain back what I lost, but I can't seem to get my mojo back. I'm exercising less than I did and eating things I shouldn't be eating, then not logging because I'm embarrassed. I need some success stories of people who have hit this phase and gotten through it, as I still have 50-60 pounds to go before I hit my goal and I'm feeling really overwhelmed.

I call it "being on a break" and like anything else that one does religiously for awhile, it's okay to take one. One thing I do with clients at this point is sit down and assess what we've done, look at pictures where they were and now, reaffirm their goals and then change up some of the exercises or program. Sometimes doing the "same old same old" can create boredom and that's a good reason why not to continue. Good luck.

A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

chatogal

Steno, I love what Ninerbuff is saying...and I just KNOW your mojo WILL come back....hey girl...you are one of those that has spurredme on to get so active...I loved, loved, LOVED hearing your excited reports on how your running was going...honey, chill for now, watch what you eat...it will come back

deanjou59

A little under a year ago I started eating better (and less) and exercising. I was doing so well. I lost 27 pounds in the first three months, then the loss slowed and I lost another 20 pounds over the next four months. Then, starting about four months ago, my motivation just started to leak away. Since that time, I've been bouncing around 3-4 pounds over my lowest weight. I'm being careful not to gain back what I lost, but I can't seem to get my mojo back. I'm exercising less than I did and eating things I shouldn't be eating, then not logging because I'm embarrassed. I need some success stories of people who have hit this phase and gotten through it, as I still have 50-60 pounds to go before I hit my goal and I'm feeling really overwhelmed.

I call it "being on a break" and like anything else that one does religiously for awhile, it's okay to take one. One thing I do with clients at this point is sit down and assess what we've done, look at pictures where they were and now, reaffirm their goals and then change up some of the exercises or program. Sometimes doing the "same old same old" can create boredom and that's a good reason why not to continue. Good luck.

A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

This is GREAT advice! I would love to have you a coach!

Stenobun

[/quote]I call it "being on a break" and like anything else that one does religiously for awhile, it's okay to take one. One thing I do with clients at this point is sit down and assess what we've done, look at pictures where they were and now, reaffirm their goals and then change up some of the exercises or program. Sometimes doing the "same old same old" can create boredom and that's a good reason why not to continue. Good luck.

A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
[/quote]

This really is wonderful advice. Thanks for reminding me that I need to remember how far I've come. I'm going to start a new routine tomorrow, be more disciplined with what I eat, and see where that takes me. thanks again!

Stenobun

Steno, I love what Ninerbuff is saying...and I just KNOW your mojo WILL come back....hey girl...you are one of those that has spurredme on to get so active...I loved, loved, LOVED hearing your excited reports on how your running was going...honey, chill for now, watch what you eat...it will come back

Thanks, chatogal. Those words really do help.

Salt_Sand_Sun

You need to find ways to remind yourself why you started in the first place. Put up sticky notes in your bathroom, on your fridge, by your night stand. Don't buy foods that you know you over consume. Every time you go to the fridge/pantry - ask yourself ..."should I eat this?" If the answer is no, drink a large cup of ice water and leave the kitchen.

Find a workout buddy (virtual or IRL) and make appointments. Most people feel compelled to oblige to these appointments in fear of letting the other person down. It is easier to tell yoruself no than to make the call and give an excuse to your friend on why you can't make it.

Stay strong - you got this

alliemarie77

Remember this....

Motivation is not a feeling you get, it's getting up and getting it done even when you don't want to.

Also...

No one else can do it for you, you have to want it bad enough to go get it!

Good luck!

crimsontech

OK, for me... I find I am most motivated when I'm trying to win a bet. I have a friend who also wants to lose weight. She is VERY competitive and to be quite honest, making her lose motivated me more than my own winning. Any chance you could find such a friend to motivate you? There are also some online websites where you can bet against other people.

TribeHokie

It sounds like you already know where you're slipping up (not exercising as much as you used to and questionable eating choices), so you just need a reason to get back on track. There have been some good suggestions here. Mine is that when I need a little motivation I go find something around the house, like hand weights, that weighs the amount I have lost so far. Even though it doesn't look like much in the mirror, feeling the actual weight of what I've accomplished so far makes me feel like I kick *kitten* and gets me excited to keep going. I did this just last night actually : )