Which is more motivating to you?

mslisatm
mslisatm Posts: 154 Member
Are losses or no progress/gains more of a motivator for you to kick it up a notch or just keep going? Losses usually motivate me (I'm more of a positive reinforcement person. If I feel like Im being brow beaten into doing something or "boot camped" my feisty sassy teenage takes over and I rebel!) but at the same time I find I sometimes "celebrate" with a loss either easing back or having a treat, which completely negates my loss! Gaining sometimes turns into a spiral of despair for me, especially if I have been working my *kitten* off, but sometimes Ill get on the scale, see that horrible number AGAIN and say "f this. Im done fooling around." and ill get on it! My mind if my worst enemy. Im strong and healthy and can go an hour a day of exercise, but my brain gets in the way! I also have adult ADD so keeps with one regimen for an extended period of time is not possible. If I can figure out some brain tricks to keep me going I think I would actually lose a few pounds!

Replies

  • schonsdragon
    schonsdragon Posts: 102 Member
    I try to stay away from the scale most of the time because in the past I got obsessed with the number on the scale instead of focusing on getting and staying healthy.

    It is motivating to me to be able to fit into smaller sized clothes and have to clear out my closet of clothes that are too big. It is also very motivating to be able to physically do things that I couldn't because I was not in good enough shape. I have found it very soothing to have a set time set aside for me that is mine. I tend to go for long walks on a nearby trail at a pace that pushes me because I feel better when I get outside during the day.

    I do celebrate when I make a mini goal, not by food, but by either doing something I wanted to do for a while, or by getting a new piece of clothing, or inexpensive piece of jewelry, or a new book.
  • DamePiglet
    DamePiglet Posts: 3,730 Member
    I think what motivates me most is putting on clothes.
    I've recently moved into the smallest jeans I own (they've been lurking waaaay back in my closet for years. I'm surprised they aren't dry-rotted. Lol)
    Then, I think stalling or gaining gets me fired up to get "right".
    Loss? Yeah, probably least because it makes me "chill".

    Until I reach my goal... Them, break out the special dancin' shoes... It's time to party!!!
  • cindirookbanman
    cindirookbanman Posts: 71 Member
    I love seein thise numbers go DOWN!! Makes me feel like I'm winning... so easy to just quit when I feel like I'm trying and it "doesnt make a difference"