how do you motivate yourself to stick with it

leader29

Iv read sucess posts and am amazed, but when I think its going to take 1 year? 4 months? However long, I think to myself, nope, not possible, I cant do this, I cant think that ill ever be slim, its only week one, and I have negative feelings. Im 5 foot 3 and 194 pounds, so huge for my height, its gotta change, byt the lowest iv ever been is 170lb which is still big, I dont feel its possible, especially as I have now become a sahm and activity has dropped loads since I left work,
help please, how do you stay focused knowing you have such a long road ahead xxx

_SABOTEUR_

How active was your job before?

Running after a kid is a pretty active lifestyle usually.

As far as motivation, you may be focusing to much on the end product. The fact is there is no end product. A lot of the success stories say that they still want to do this or that, whether it's lose a bit more or run a marathon or improve their lifts.

It's better to set small goals. For now just aim to get below 170lbs. You'll then be the lightest you've been in your adult life. It's a good feeling.

Sometimes it's hard and you won't have the buzz of inspiration to motivate you. In those circumstances you just have to suck it up and do it anyway. It's about willpower, much like anything else that's hard.

briannanoelg

The single most motivating thing my husband ever said to me was:

"How long did it take you to gain that weight? Did you gain it in a few weeks? A few months? No, it took time. If it took time to gain the weight, why wouldn't it take time to lose it?"

And it's true. Weight doesn't just fall off. If you're not willing to put in the time and work then you don't deserve it. Anything in life worth having is worth working for. I schedule the gym in my planner. I cross it off when I do it. I decide ahead of time what I'm going to do at the gym so that I look forward to it and I always feel kick *kitten* when I'm done. You just have to make it a habit!

leader29

I walked to work, and I worked in a busy shop, running around, up and down stairs. Lo is 11 months old but its no where near as active as work was. I am just impatient and cant imagine it working, I need to just focs on one week at a time I think, but im finding ithard already. Just need a kick. Xxx

kazwillimott

Hi, have u tried the 5:2 way of eating

_SABOTEUR_

I walked to work, and I worked in a busy shop, running around, up and down stairs. Lo is 11 months old but its no where near as active as work was. I am just impatient and cant imagine it working, I need to just focs on one week at a time I think, but im finding ithard already. Just need a kick. Xxx

They (whoever 'they' are, lol) say it takes 6 weeks to form new habits. Basically, those first 6 weeks are going to be the toughest. But it does get easier. You start looking forward to your workouts and finding recipes and new ways to make your intake match your calorie and macro (protein/fat/carb) needs.

Amber0450

I'm just starting (again)...Day 1; for me, it helps to keep in my mind that I've done it before. And when I really saw amazing results, it's because I found something to do (active) that I really enjoyed. That made it more meaningful than just "making" myself go work out.

lacroyx

The number on the scale never worried or motivated me in anyway. For me it was my health. When I started I was taking many medications to control all the obese related health issues I had. Nearly 4 years later all the issues are gone and I am completely med free. What keeps me going is focusing on getting better physically fitness wise. Setitngs small goals and accomplishing things I couldn't do before.

mymuffin88

Think of it as a new lifestyle rather than a diet.

mhasita

My dad lost a foot to diabetes and eventually lost his life as well. I don't let myself fall off the wagon, because everytime I feel like I don't want to keep going, the memory of my father's decaying foot comes to my mind and I don't want that to happen to me.

liloldDee

I understand where your coming from, I was always someone who wanted fast solutions. When I think back on all the diets I started which lasted a few months and were tough going, I am filled with regret. If I had taken on board the good advice I read on here and another forum I would have all my weight lost and be in maintainance for years. I have been losing and gaining for the past 5 years because I had an all or nothing attitude. I've changed my attitude, set my goal to lose 1 pound per week, got a fitbit and now consider this to be a life style change. I'm eating between 1500 and 2000 calories a day, eating what I want and enjoying it. For some reason the cravings that plagued me before are gone, I think it's because all my meals are satisfying, I'm not substituting real food for "diet" foods and I'm eating more protein.

SpitfireStacey

Small changes. I'm a SAHM, and I set myself a goal of 10k steps each day with my body bug thingy, and I thought in an "average" day that'd be impossible, so I was accepting 8k per day without exercise and 10k with a workout. I've found that just by walking around the house more (not sitting down), taking the stairs instead of the elevator every.single.time, and just the every day bits I already do really add up to my activity level. Focus on your eating and movements, set a timer every time you sit down (like at the computer) for 5mins or less, and when it goes off, get up and do something, tidy up the toys, clean the kitchen, start a craft, whatever it is that you enjoy or need to do and you'll find your activity level is easy to increase.

embaudin

Iv read sucess posts and am amazed, but when I think its going to take 1 year? 4 months? However long, I think to myself, nope, not possible, I cant do this, I cant think that ill ever be slim, its only week one, and I have negative feelings. Im 5 foot 3 and 194 pounds, so huge for my height, its gotta change, byt the lowest iv ever been is 170lb which is still big, I dont feel its possible, especially as I have now become a sahm and activity has dropped loads since I left work,
help please, how do you stay focused knowing you have such a long road ahead xxx

Honestly, I haven't read some of the other replies on here. But as someone who is 5,1ft and started at 185lbs before losing weight - I then managed to drop 28lbs in 2 months. Initially I used anger and frustration to keep me motivated. Anger that I'd let myself get that big, and anger for how I'd let my unhappiness of my weight affect other aspects of my life. Eventually I started to love the gym! It was an amazing way to destress from work and other aspects of life! But along side that, I walk a minimum of 3 miles a day, and swim minimum 3 times per week. I live in a town where unless you love getting really drunk every weekend - you don't really tend to develop much of a social circle. So as someone who doesn't drink at all - its very difficult to find someone to exercise with. Best thing to do is to set yourself mini-goals whilst you're exercising. Challenge yourself. I work 15 hour days 7 days a week. So each time I exercise I set myself a mini goal to try and take 30 secs less for each mile I walk. I don't 'deprive' myself of any kind of food - but I keep 'moderation' in the forefront of my mind. If I feel a junk food craving coming on, I will drink a bucket load of water so I feel more full, and plan somewhere to go the next day to indulge in my junk food craving, but still keeping in balance with my calorie allowance for the day. Don't look at it as changing your lifestyle, look at it like breaking a bad habit or two. Don't villanise the things you want to change, it just makes it all seem like a bigger mountain to climb than it really is!

leader29

All or nothing, that decribes me to a t, I want it now lol, I am going to do this this time around, and if it means reading success stories every day, well I gues I will. I love reading what gets people going, and what pulls them back, somethung will stick to me and ill just keep going xxx

I understand where your coming from, I was always someone who wanted fast solutions. When I think back on all the diets I started which lasted a few months and were tough going, I am filled with regret. If I had taken on board the good advice I read on here and another forum I would have all my weight lost and be in maintainance for years. I have been losing and gaining for the past 5 years because I had an all or nothing attitude. I've changed my attitude, set my goal to lose 1 pound per week, got a fitbit and now consider this to be a life style change. I'm eating between 1500 and 2000 calories a day, eating what I want and enjoying it. For some reason the cravings that plagued me before are gone, I think it's because all my meals are satisfying, I'm not substituting real food for "diet" foods and I'm eating more protein.

leader29

Wow, 28lb in 2 months, thats amazing, you are inspiring,

Iv read sucess posts and am amazed, but when I think its going to take 1 year? 4 months? However long, I think to myself, nope, not possible, I cant do this, I cant think that ill ever be slim, its only week one, and I have negative feelings. Im 5 foot 3 and 194 pounds, so huge for my height, its gotta change, byt the lowest iv ever been is 170lb which is still big, I dont feel its possible, especially as I have now become a sahm and activity has dropped loads since I left work,
help please, how do you stay focused knowing you have such a long road ahead xxx

Honestly, I haven't read some of the other replies on here. But as someone who is 5,1ft and started at 185lbs before losing weight - I then managed to drop 28lbs in 2 months. Initially I used anger and frustration to keep me motivated. Anger that I'd let myself get that big, and anger for how I'd let my unhappiness of my weight affect other aspects of my life. Eventually I started to love the gym! It was an amazing way to destress from work and other aspects of life! But along side that, I walk a minimum of 3 miles a day, and swim minimum 3 times per week. I live in a town where unless you love getting really drunk every weekend - you don't really tend to develop much of a social circle. So as someone who doesn't drink at all - its very difficult to find someone to exercise with. Best thing to do is to set yourself mini-goals whilst you're exercising. Challenge yourself. I work 15 hour days 7 days a week. So each time I exercise I set myself a mini goal to try and take 30 secs less for each mile I walk. I don't 'deprive' myself of any kind of food - but I keep 'moderation' in the forefront of my mind. If I feel a junk food craving coming on, I will drink a bucket load of water so I feel more full, and plan somewhere to go the next day to indulge in my junk food craving, but still keeping in balance with my calorie allowance for the day. Don't look at it as changing your lifestyle, look at it like breaking a bad habit or two. Don't villanise the things you want to change, it just makes it all seem like a bigger mountain to climb than it really is!

Mullerboy

I think the key to dieting success is to think of the hare and the tortoise!!!

meankeen

by seeing noticeable gains, ofc

bbvsusan

I'm making this my hobby. I track, study my tracking, think on it …. plan meals, plan exercise … It's kinda fun.

LaurieMellor123

YUP,A year (almost) for me. I Was hypnotized last January and with my determination and strength, I am down 45 lbs...We aren't supposed to be weighing ourselves, but I had to know how well I was doing, right? I am new to MFP as well.Going to use it to it's full potential,I have 45 more lbs to lose!

LaurieMellor123

Sounds like a good thing!

cindy326

I started Jan 20,2013. I set a goal to be at my target weight by March..I laugh now looking back. Its been almost 1 year and Im almost to my goal weight. Hind sight I wouldnt change a thing. When I reached march of last year i was a little bummed but then I said HEY you made it this far and it wasnt terrible you can keep going. Then I got into a routine. I log my whole day in the morning.I plan everything in advance. This helps me see A. How much do I need to exercise today & B. what else can eat to reach my calorie goal. I try to get as close as I can without going over. I eat what I want and I pay close attention to portion sizes. I use measuring cups/spoons and a scale to be as accurate as I can. I sarted jogging and I love it. I look forward to my workouts. Its time I get alone and I feel better mentally afterwards. My jouney hasnt been perfect, I have "fallen off the wagon" a few times but I am happy with myself and my progress. Good luck to you on your journey.

tempehforever

(Disclaimer: just had lots of coffee!!)

Honestly, the thing that has helped me most with motivation--in all areas of my life--is to stop worrying about trying to be motivated.

Because really, there are going to be plenty of times that you are NOT motivated at all. Learning to not feel guilty about that and just trudge forward is what has been really helpful to me.

Recently, a therapist pointed out that pretty no matter what I'm doing or how successful I am, I'm always going to be a naturally kind of negative person who is highly self-critical. So when I feel unmotivated/discouraged/negative about a task or situation, I have two choices:

1) Sit around feeling bad and discouraged while I'm NOT working on the task or avoiding the situation
2) Feel bad and discouraged while I AM working on the task or confronting the situation

If I'm going to have negative feelings no matter what, I might as well be feeling them in reference to something I know is beneficial than something that is not beneficial. I just have to be OK with telling myself, "I'm probably going to feel bad about this, but that its OK--I'll survive."

I think this really applies to weight loss. You're either going to feel unmotivated and guilty if you DON'T take steps to change your lifestyle, or you're going to feel unmotivated and discouraged as you DO take steps to change your lifestyle. You might as well chose the latter, right?

The thing about motivation is that it works the opposite of the way we think it does. We think that we have to sit around waiting for magical "motivation" to strike, and then we'll accomplish things. In fact, it is the other way around--the more action we take, the more motivation builds, and the more likely we are to continue. Start small, don't overwhelm yourself, and I bet you'll start to feel more positive over time about your journey.

kr1stadee

I've been here for a year and a half. This is another part of my life, like brushing my teeth, changing my clothes, just something I know I need to do.

As you have successes, you will be more tempted to keep going (that is, if you are really ready for this. Most think they are but fall off track too easily. They just aren't ready!)

jennegan1

I feel your pain! When I first joined I was 186, jumped up to 192 and Im the same height as you. At first wasnt seeing any changes that I started to. From October to now I lost over 10 lbs, just never recorded my highest weight so thats why it says only a 6 lb lost on my ticker, but I keep on fluctuating past week or so. I know I havent been so active with both kids around {I work out while my oldest is in school} and considering its been brutally cold we cant get outside so much, and dont want to do anything but sit under a blanket and keep warm. But you know what todays a new week time to get up to get back to moving as my oldest is back in school and get back to my old routine...My biggest motivation is my girls and showing them that I can eat healthy and show them healthy eating habits and that instead of me sitting on the side doing nothing that I will get up and play with them once the warmer weather comes of course.....Btw from Oct til now I lost 4-5 inches off my waist, thats a big motivator as well

charleyreedto175

Everything is about goals. Big goals and little ones. I think what helps is the fact that I set daily goals, weekly goals and monthly goals. If you enjoy making your goal then you have your need in hand. For me my small goals are sometimes silly and would mean nothing to anyone else. Buy an article of clothing one size smaller and try it on in a month. Make a great food and freeze it what every you want. Just make it work for you.

Mia_RagazzaTosta

When I started I just told myself to keep going, no matter what. I had always looked for the quick fix shortcut and it never got me anywhere, so I told myself to stick with it even when I didn't see overnight results. Just keep going; what's the worst that could happen?

I also stopped starving myself. Once I discovered that I could eat what I like and learned moderation I was a much happier person. It was no longer a chore.

Then I discovered weight lifting. my body started changing in ways I could never have imagined. I was getting stronger and I looked forward to every workout. And a year later, I've lost almost 20 pounds, which doesn't seem like a lot, but my body composition is completely different.

SuperJo1972

It isn't easy and sometimes you will not see the results, but as long as you know that you are improving your health and that in time results will come too, it makes it easier to stick with.

When you reach your goal weight you will still have to watch your portions and exercise to be able to maintain and stay healthy and fit. It's early days, try to fit in easy wins like a daily q/w hour walk with the pram that soon add up. You can do it, believe in yourself. )

GothyFaery

Iv read sucess posts and am amazed, but when I think its going to take 1 year? 4 months? However long, I think to myself, nope, not possible, I cant do this, I cant think that ill ever be slim, its only week one, and I have negative feelings. Im 5 foot 3 and 194 pounds, so huge for my height, its gotta change, byt the lowest iv ever been is 170lb which is still big, I dont feel its possible, especially as I have now become a sahm and activity has dropped loads since I left work,
help please, how do you stay focused knowing you have such a long road ahead xxx

I think we all still have the feeling like we can't do it, at least I do. Almost everyday I think to myself "there's no way I will ever be at a "normal" BMI. I think my scale has just been lieing to be over that last few months. I haven't actually lost anything." But you have to put aside those feelings and take it one day at a time. Take before pictures now! I didn't and I wish I did. Compairing pictures will help motivate you. Pay attention to how your clothes fit. When they start getting looser, you are making progress! It's hard but make little goals and always take it one day at a time.

ThriceBlessed

I think its important to change your perspective. Its not going to take a year, its not going to take four months. Its going to be a lifetime commitment to being healthy. Also, there is a positive and a negative to every situation. I am a mostly stay at home mom, I work about once a week outside the home, for 4-6 hours... but other than that I am stay at home. I homeschool my kids, which keeps my time pretty full, plus I am studying math on my own so that I can help my kids when they need, and in preparation for going back to college... all of that keeps me busy, but not physically active. Anyway, as a stay at home mom I can tell you that there is some advantage... it takes discipline, but you can exercise every day with the commitment you used to get up and go to work with. If your children are very small it may involve doing 10 minute bursts of activity while they are occupied, or even plopping them in a playpen and ignoring their fussing for 1/2 hour while you take care of you for a bit. Other options include putting them in a stroller and walking, nice long walks...

You can lift weights or do an exercise video while they sleep.

If they are older than you can simply teach them that mom needs this 1/2 hour or hour of exercise to be healthy, and they can color, or watch an educational program in another room, or play with toys, but are not allowed to interrupt you or get in the way while you are exercising.

Back to lifetime commitment thing, since being healthy is a lifetime commitment, rather than feeling rushed to accomplish a goal weight by a certain date, instead make some goals that are not related directly to the number on the scale. For example, "This month I'll start getting 1/2 hour of some kind of exercise... any kind, every day, and I'll keep my net calories in healthy parameters." Don't set your calories so low you feel you are starving, find out what your TDEE is and subtract 20% from that.

I have found for myself my bodymedia device also helps with my motivation. I have a certain plan, schedule for workouts, and in the past if I missed a workout, or just couldn't bring myself to do the one I was "supposed" to do that day I would get discouraged. However since I have the armband, while I still have my schedule, my fall back goal is simply to register a certain amount of activity on the band, so if I'm supposed to a weight lifting routine and I just can't get myself going, I still go for a walk. At the end of the day I can look and see successes on at least some of my goals because I reached that basic activity goal.

I still try to stick to my routine as much as I can, but I am more flexible and view the minimum activity goal as an absolute, a non-negotiable... I just do it.

lcvaughn520

When I start to feel like that, I think of this quote: "Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway."

Striving4Fit_MrsOrtiz

Iv read sucess posts and am amazed, but when I think its going to take 1 year? 4 months? However long, I think to myself, nope, not possible, I cant do this, I cant think that ill ever be slim, its only week one, and I have negative feelings. Im 5 foot 3 and 194 pounds, so huge for my height, its gotta change, byt the lowest iv ever been is 170lb which is still big, I dont feel its possible, especially as I have now become a sahm and activity has dropped loads since I left work,
help please, how do you stay focused knowing you have such a long road ahead xxx

I think we all still have the feeling like we can't do it, at least I do. Almost everyday I think to myself "there's no way I will ever be at a "normal" BMI. I think my scale has just been lieing to be over that last few months. I haven't actually lost anything." But you have to put aside those feelings and take it one day at a time. Take before pictures now! I didn't and I wish I did. Compairing pictures will help motivate you. Pay attention to how your clothes fit. When they start getting looser, you are making progress! It's hard but make little goals and always take it one day at a time.

Last time I lost nearly 30 pounds I really did think my scale was lying to me or broken!!! I still to this day think I need to buy a new scale!