Temporary motivation vs long term

starvinkevin
starvinkevin Posts: 331
in Motivation and Support
So I've had short-term success when I have an immediate, short term goal that I need to reach fast... I've lost up to 30 lbs in 2 months (and a couple times 12-14 lbs in TWO weeks) this way but I did it in the wrong way and after I gradually regained the weight back. What keeps you guys motivated to workout year after year? My problem is severe yo-yo weight and Im getting tired of it!

Replies

  • mockchoc
    mockchoc Posts: 6,573 Member
    You need to find some type of exercise you actually don't mind doing. Also not eating low calorie but as many calories as possible and still losing.
  • starvinkevin
    starvinkevin Posts: 331
    I like running and lifting - it's just I overdo them and get burned out and stop after a few months (my longest lifting stint was 8 months, running like 4)
    You need to find some type of exercise you actually don't mind doing. Also not eating low calorie but as many calories as possible and still losing.
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    Oooooooook, so why not try to not overdo it this time? Maybe set up a reasonable plan with reasonable expectations that won't burn you out, mmmmkay?
  • Alatariel75
    Alatariel75 Posts: 18,241 Member
    For me, it is the difference between motivation and resignation.

    Motivation is what I have when I start out. I'm enthused, I'm excited, I'm gung-ho and ready to go!

    ... but, motivation wanes, it gets bruised and battered, it gets tired, and it fades.

    What do I have left? Resignation.

    Resignation is the knowledge that, like it or not, something simply has to be done and is durable and enduring. It hangs around when the motivation is low, it weathers the tiredness, the bad moods, the cravings, the laziness...

    Motivation involves proactively wanting something, and its easy for other wants to over take that. Resignation involves just knowing and accepting that something has to be done, no matter what the motivation and enthusiasm says.

    I'm currently motivated, loving cooking the healthy meals, wallowing in the pride of saying no to that twice cooked goats cheese souffle at lunch, but if I wasn't motivated, I'df have still said no, and I'd still cook the meals because for me, this isn't just a rewarding experience, it's a neccesity, and I'm resigned to that.

    Sounds doom and gloom, now I read it, but its true!
  • Robin_Anne
    Robin_Anne Posts: 54
    So I've had short-term success when I have an immediate, short term goal that I need to reach fast... I've lost up to 30 lbs in 2 months (and a couple times 12-14 lbs in TWO weeks) this way but I did it in the wrong way and after I gradually regained the weight back. What keeps you guys motivated to workout year after year? My problem is severe yo-yo weight and Im getting tired of it!

    I'm in the same boat with yo-yo. I hear ya!
  • Robin_Anne
    Robin_Anne Posts: 54
    You need to find some type of exercise you actually don't mind doing. Also not eating low calorie but as many calories as possible and still losing.

    This is a good tip. I never thought of it that way. Probably because the first thing I think of restrict calories versus being within the golden range of comfort + weight loss. I need to start playing tennis again....like you say, do something you enjoy.
  • fresh_start59
    fresh_start59 Posts: 590 Member
    Baby Steps: slow and steady will get me to the finish line.

    Yo-yo diets ... been there, done that, too many times to count. This time, I'm taking a new approach. I am not depriving myself. I am not starving myself. I am not killing myself with exercise. Everything in moderation, including tacos, ice-cream and chocolate.

    Check out the group, In Place of a Roadmap. Give the stickies a read.
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/8017-in-place-of-a-road-map

    Then, look at heybales' post that includes a link to his spreadsheet on Google Docs. It will tell you how many calories to eat, based on your height, weight, age, percentage of body fat and activity level.
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/717858-spreadsheet-bmr-tdee-and-deficit-calcs-macros-hrm

    My goal is to get healthy by losing weight and learning how to eat for the long term.
  • Punktorian
    Punktorian Posts: 224 Member
    Why not try some form of competition/event? It doesn't have to be anything really serious, but a 5k or something could give you reason to keep going, just keep signing up for them and who knows you might have a new hobby instead of just a workout to stick to. If you like lifting, why not give powerlifting or strongman a shot? It really doesn't matter what it is or what level you are at, just sign up and force yourself to get everything set up for that day.

    My motivation is just the joy of lifting heavy things, part of that is staying in at least decent cardio shape so that keeps me going.
  • lambchoplewis
    lambchoplewis Posts: 797
    I agree that long term is the hardest. I have been maintaining for 9 months and find this much harder than losing. All of a sudden, you can have a "little of something"!! For me, this turns into a lot. I started weighing myself every day (i know this is controversial) but I do not obsess over a 2-4 lbs weight gain when I am doing nothing wrong. I just watch the trend over time and I don't want it slowly creeping up. This daily weighing gives me short term (24hr) goals and makes me want to get moving and eat right if I see the weight coming on.

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