How do I stop being so darn impatient?

11hammicks
11hammicks Posts: 61
in Motivation and Support
My biggest problem whenever I try to lose weight is that I want it to come off really fast! This is my first week in and I've lost 3 pounds, which is great, but I can't help but look in the mirror and just wish it were gone already. Being so impatient is what usually derails me and I give up. I really want to lose this extra bit so I don't want to stop. Does anyone have any tips to stop being impatient?

Replies

  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    Focus on the process...focus on being healthier and more fit...when you focus on the change, you ultimately see (and feel) the results; when you focus solely on the end results, you rarely see the change.
  • nolachick
    nolachick Posts: 3,278 Member
    I am the same way. I just have to remind myself that I didn't gain all this weight over night, so it won't come off overnight either.
    I gained weight bc I ate like crap every day and didn't work out everyday. so now I have to reverse those actions to get a different outcome.
  • TheCaren
    TheCaren Posts: 894 Member
    You have a small number of pounds to lose, so it's not going to be coming off three pounds a week every week, unless you're starving yourself. Just track everything you eat, and let "progress" mean eating within your calories and macros consistently (which doesn't mean every single day), and let the scale just be a secondary measuring stick for your successs.
  • Lrdoflamancha
    Lrdoflamancha Posts: 1,280 Member
    Focus on the process...focus on being healthier and more fit...when you focus on the change, you ultimately see (and feel) the results; when you focus solely on the end results, you rarely see the change.

    Great advice.....
  • chellec23
    chellec23 Posts: 147 Member
    Keep reminding yourself that it is a slow process. Focus instead on being healthy and don't stress about the scale. Take it one day at a time.
  • 11hammicks
    11hammicks Posts: 61
    Thank you for some great responses! I just have to keep telling myself that the days, weeks, and months are going to go by no matter what, so why not do something good in that time?
  • boonognog
    boonognog Posts: 55 Member
    Does anyone have any tips to stop being impatient?

    I find this quite ironic... LOL

    I think maybe your approach to life in general would have to change in order to affect this behavior. And no, I'm not being flippant in this response. No one is going to be able to give you advice for how to handle this with some quick tips.

    That being said, meditation might help you with being able to focus and concentrate and remain calm in all areas of your life. You might want to look into it. Just don't expect immediate results. ;)
  • sugarlips1980
    sugarlips1980 Posts: 361 Member
    You recognise yourself that it derails you (same here!). When you find yourself thinking these thoughts, recognise this as an emotional obstacle. Get tunnel vision on your goal and don't let anything, including yourself, get in your way! Celebrate each small progress because they all add up to your end goal!
  • michellechawner
    michellechawner Posts: 892
    when you find out the trick tell me.

    Mine impatience does't have to do with weight loss, it's other things i'm impatient about. Slow and steady is ok for weight loss for me, because i'd rather keep it off in the long run so the more i make a habit out of healthy eating and exercising the more likely I am to keep it off.
  • odddrums
    odddrums Posts: 342 Member
    I'd say try being more patient in other parts of your life and eventually it will influence how you are working on this part. One thing that helps me is seeing the little victories and progress so I know that it's happening slowly, but I still am happy that it's happening. There's no secret or magic, you just need to commit and stick to it.
  • Audrey24HisSuccessStory
    Audrey24HisSuccessStory Posts: 72 Member
    My biggest problem whenever I try to lose weight is that I want it to come off really fast! This is my first week in and I've lost 3 pounds, which is great, but I can't help but look in the mirror and just wish it were gone already. Being so impatient is what usually derails me and I give up. I really want to lose this extra bit so I don't want to stop. Does anyone have any tips to stop being impatient?

    I'm the same way---thanks for addressing this!!
  • FLCANDI81
    FLCANDI81 Posts: 24 Member
    I am the same way. We all are. I have t oremind myself of the progress I have made in other areas. Take measurements too, as well as document how much of a particular exercise you can do before having to rest and then do it again every month on your journey. I couldn't do a single pushup 3 months ago and can do 40 in 10 minutes now. I also have lost 4 inches all over, and 13 pounds. I am very impatient too, and it leads to my bashing myself in my head with things like "Why keep on" " I will be fat forever" "I cannot do this anymore so why try.." But DON'T DO THAT. Change your I Can'ts into I Will's.....make a inspiration wall (I did in my closet), and just be proud of the work you are putting in!! You GOT THIS! :flowerforyou:
  • lee91356
    lee91356 Posts: 330 Member
    think of the long-term, weighing less is just a small part of this whole thing, especially if you want to maintain said loss, its about learning to do things differently and ALONG the way losing the weight. :happy:
  • micheabr
    micheabr Posts: 72
    Try focusing on making changes rather than losing weight. So every time you workout or eat healthy, instead of thinking 'wow, this is going to make me lose weight' think ' I am so proud of myself for making this good choice'. The weight will come of quicker than you think.
    And why give up? When one of your tyres on your car has been punctured, you don't go out and slash the other three tyres do you? Just keep going. You've got this ;)
  • twinketta
    twinketta Posts: 2,130 Member
    Get on youtube and do the 30ds or some other fitness program and take your mind off your diet!

    Get toning and strengthening so you can see a bigger progress in your shape?
  • 11hammicks
    11hammicks Posts: 61
    I'd say try being more patient in other parts of your life

    That's a good idea! I'm just an impatient person in general, even when it comes to waiting for dinner to be ready :laugh: I'll keep this in mind!
  • Catlady87
    Catlady87 Posts: 302 Member
    Think about what you hope to achieve my doing this. Not just losing the weight, but what you will learn too - portion control, the ability to make healthy choices, learning how to keep the weight off.
    Imagine this is like a semester at college, you want it to be over and get your grade but you need to go through the difficult and sometimes boring bit first.
    Hope this helps! I was really impatient at first but I've come to enjoy the process and feel better making the choices I have rather than coming home on a Friday night eating pizza, not being satisfied and then feeling rubbish about it afterwards.
  • MelsAuntie
    MelsAuntie Posts: 2,833 Member
    Don't worry, life will take care of that for you.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    Also keep in mind that with very little to lose and already being at a healthy BF%, it's going to be slow going. Your body is going to be very reluctant to give up the fat and isn't going to respond well to big calorie deficits. At this point, it's more about lifestyle and how you're livin'...if you live a lifestyle that is fitness oriented and nutrition driven you'll be just fine...just takes time.

    Also, if you aren't already doing so I recommend introducing yourself to the weight room and lifting some weights. Most people (usually women) who are in your position suffer more from composition issues rather than actually needing to lose much weight. Weight training is the only way to change your body composition and lose the squishy...even when people get down to what they think should be a goal weight, they often complain about being too "squishy"...which means they've neglected their muscle while dieting and a lot of that lean mass got destroyed in the dieting process...gotta build it back up.
  • mwiechel
    mwiechel Posts: 77 Member
    Thank you for some great responses! I just have to keep telling myself that the days, weeks, and months are going to go by no matter what, so why not do something good in that time?

    Yes! This is totally it for me too. I am in the same boat as you, as far as only needing (wanting?) to lose a few pounds. I'd love to be your MFP friend to help support each other!
  • DopeItUp
    DopeItUp Posts: 18,771 Member
    Well, you can't. You're human, right? Everybody wants the weight to come off immediately, whether it's 10lbs or 150lbs. Nobody says "Gee, I wish it would take me a whole 5 years to lose these 30 extra pounds".

    You just have to accept the fact that it takes time, up front. I passed the 2 year mark last month and still have a ways to go, for example. For you, you have a minimal amount to lose, budget 6 months at 1/2 a pound a week and you'll be there before you know it.
  • 11hammicks
    11hammicks Posts: 61
    Yes! Friends are always welcome!
  • mikegl1
    mikegl1 Posts: 238 Member
    Wait.... wait for it.... wait for it..... wait for it..................
  • jdhoward_101
    jdhoward_101 Posts: 234 Member
    I'm exactly the same, and it's led me to some dangerous eating habits, (or lack of) in the past. Nowadays, i think of the bigger picture, and realize how much happier i am now i'm eating and consistently (mostly!) losing. This time the weight will come off and stay off, no more yo-yo dieting which leads to yo-yo mood swings, all the weight will stay off, and i'll look fantastic! Good luck hon x
  • VorJoshigan
    VorJoshigan Posts: 1,106 Member
    Meditation

    and focus on the process.

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