What to do when you're flagging?

AliceRabbit13
AliceRabbit13 Posts: 138 Member
in Motivation and Support
I find myself starting to lose some of my motivation. It is no one's fault but my own - I accept the guilt, and the realization that I use food as a bandaid and a crutch for problems rather than just simply fuel, that I don't set myself up for success because it's easier to do nothing rather than get up and do something.
I have two very important things coming up career-wise that I HAVE to have strength for, that I need to be at my physical peak rather than trough. I know it, but I am having trouble taking it to heart and using it to set fire under my butt to get moving.

My question is this: how do YOU mentally refocus, regroup and ultimately stay on track?

Replies

  • ldennett
    ldennett Posts: 75 Member
    I wish I knew the answer to your question because then I would probably never be fat again. I managed to restart recently and have once again begun seeing the scale move downward. I don't really know what changed because I had been trying to restart for about 5 months before that but never could. I think what happened is that suddenly it became higher priority than it had been before. That gave me the motivation to get through the first week. Then getting through the first week made me feel so good that getting through the second week wasn't too hard, and it has gone on from there. One of the things that has really helped is the realization that it isn't that hard; that I don't have to give up everything I like. I just need to stay within my calorie goals. I think it is important not to try to change everything about yourself all at once. If the change is too drastic you will probably shy away from restarting because it is too hard. Just try to add in a couple of good changes at first.

    My two bits.
  • MaraDiaz
    MaraDiaz Posts: 4,604 Member
    I go for a run (or at least a long walk) to think about the problem. By the time I get back, it's solved.
  • CaffeinatedConfectionist
    CaffeinatedConfectionist Posts: 1,046 Member
    I go for a run (or at least a long walk) to think about the problem. By the time I get back, it's solved.

    I also try to exercise, since that usually helps my mental state. When I can't get motivated to do that, I try to spend a lot of time on the forums here, as I usually find that pretty motivating - sort of the "if other people can do it, so can I" mentality. Or I think about things I want to reward myself with when I (I just typed "if I," and then deleted it, lol) get to goal, like a sexy dress. Sometimes I think about my fitness goals and try to work up a competitive spirit. This works better for me with lifting than cardio.

    I have thought about printing out my "before" pictures and sticking them up in my bathroom or something like that as a constant reminder of what I do not want to go back to. And sometimes just talking with a friend helps. I've gotten off track countless times, but as long as I keep getting back on track, I figure I am coming out ahead. The time I spend off the wagon has gotten shorter and shorter each time I fall.
  • AliceRabbit13
    AliceRabbit13 Posts: 138 Member
    Thanks :)

    It's nice to know I'm not the only one. I will be getting knee and wrist braces on my way home from work today, just so I can't use the excuse "it hurts" anymore. I am attacking by eliminating reasons not to do things. Get the double bonus of no excuses as well as accomplishing something! lol
  • skinnyinnotime
    skinnyinnotime Posts: 4,078 Member
    I will not get the results I want from doing nothing, so I do it!

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