I can't just be happy, can I?

I'm so frustrated with myself and the way I think!

I have been working towards weight loss goals since mid December of 2013. Starting at 167 pounds, originally my goal was 150 pounds. I got to 150 pounds and re-evaluated my goals to 140 pounds. Then I got there, and was still not happy with the way I look. I changed my goal again to 130 pounds.

Then about a week ago I realized that it wasn't the number on the scale that is keeping me from looking the way I want, it is that I am out of shape. No matter how thin I get, I will never look like the image in my head unless I start lifting weights and toning up and exercising! So, I started running again, I bought some 5 pound hand weights and I started the 30 day shred.

Now on day five I am already seeing great results physically. My abs are starting to show, my arms have more definition and my endurance has greatly increased already! My waist is shrinking, it is going great!

Now for the frustrating part... I'm still not happy.

Why, you might ask? Because the number on the scale hasn't moved.

At least I have the sense to see that this is an unhealthy and obsessive way of thinking, but I am so frustrated that I can't just be happy with successes if they are not accompanied by a smaller number on the scale.

Vanity is somewhat like greed. It can never be satisfied.

Perhaps you can narrow your focus to one goal at a time and switch to a tape measure to measure your progress for awhile. You will almost certainly see improvement in the measurements as you continue exercising.

then get rid of the scale. I mean really...

http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2011/07/21/meet-staci-your-new-powerlifting-super-hero/

If you want definition etc get it out of your head that the scale is the end all to be all.

Ditch the scale, focus on your fitness goals, use the mirror and your clothing as your guide.
We are the only species that cares what it weighs. If you keep your diet in check, keep active, do some lifting and continue to strive for new fitness goals, the number will soon become irrelevant.

Why, you might ask? Because the number on the scale hasn't moved.

At least I have the sense to see that this is an unhealthy and obsessive way of thinking, but I am so frustrated that I can't just be happy with successes if they are not accompanied by a smaller number on the scale.

What does the number on the scale measure, though?

And how many numbers does your scale have?

If you have a scale that measures only weight, you're getting the total mass of your body (at normal Earth gravity wherever you live). That's an easy thing to measure, hence its popularity. But it only tells part of the story.

I have a scale that also measures body fat percentage (based on the electrical impedance between my feet). Now, that's not a very accurate measure, and it's not very precise. But averaged over time, the trend that it shows is quite interesting, and reasonably reliable.

I've been gratified by the downward trend in my weight (even though some mornings I weigh over 3 lb. more than the previous day), but I've been even more pleased by the downward trend in my body fat percentage.

If numbers matter to you, maybe you should get a scale that measures body fat percentage - but if you do, keep in mind that the individual measurements will fluctuate A LOT and that it's the trend that matters.

But even that number is only an estimate of what the mirror (or better yet, a series of progress pictures) can show you. If you can't give up the excessive concern with scale weight, then I'll second the advice to chuck the scale (or take out its batteries and shove it in the back of the closet) and focus on measurements, the mirror, and above all, your sense of strength and energy.

Get rid of the scale. Problem solved.

HEAVY WEIGHTS.

search the threads for what I mean.

Hide your scales - preferably somewhere difficult to get at - use the mirror, tape measure and most imprtantly how you're feeling

if your getting shredded with weight's honestly and it's only been 5 days, don't forget muscle is heavier than fat, may not lose weight may even gain a few pounds, but as people have said scales lie, use mirror/tape measure and photos (from time to time!) and most importantly don't obsess!

From the looks of your profile picture, you don't need the scale to go down. You're at a perfectly healthy weight. Hell, you could afford to gain a couple of pounds.

You may want to see a counselor about this, because it sounds like an eating disorder in the making.

Also, I'm not sold on these "results" you're seeing after 5 days of lifting a 5 lb dumbbell. It takes a good month to see results due to lifting. And I'm sorry to tell you, but 5 lb dumbbells aren't going to do much at all for making you more "toned" or "defined." You need to lift heavy in order to get those results. Also, running is cardio. It's not going to do anything but burn calories and benefit your cardiovascular system - it's not going to "tone" your body, whatever that means.