How do you stay positive and motivated?

my motivation is 10k race for life, and need 2 b fitter to do it in a certain time

Wow, your post says exactly how I feel. It is VERY slow going for me also and last week was AWFUL because I just thought, what's the point?! Anyway, re-committed to this on Monday and just taking it one day at a time.

I guess the only thing that keeps me working at it is I do just generally feel better when I eat healthy and exercise (regardless of what the scale says). Wish I had some great answer for you but I have the same struggle. Just know that you are not alone. \

GOOD LUCK and don't give up!

I think its about finding balance , i go to the gym twice a week i could do more and , sometimes i do but not often! for me the motivation is that i have lost 30lbs since August 2009 , its not a race its about life style change , if you are carefull you can lose weight with out exersise, but doing the exersise make me feel better, like i'm doing something for me , its my time

Find something that works for you, it does not have to be the gym, cycle, dance, walk , run , swim, learn to enjoy "your" time

Good luck on your journey

Those are difficult at times but you're doing the best thing in asking for help and support from friends. We're all here to support you and I've found personally when I need a little motivation I buy an article of clothing I want to fit in and set it back as a goal...Then you have a visible goal...just a thought

Set weekly and monthly goals, then reward yourself. It makes the daily grind easier when there's a purpose in sight.

I stay motivated by treating my health and fitness with the same importance as bathing and brushing my teeth. I wouldn't go without it.

Also, I set dates with myself for exercising. I fill in my calendar at the beginning of the month and unless there is a very special event or I am not well, then I commit to my exercise dates. On days when I don't feel like exercising, I put on my workout clothes as soon as I get home from work. When I have my workout clothes on, it helps motivate me to go to the gym. Another thing that helps is not to work out too aggressively. It takes time to build up stamina and endurance. Accept that and your workouts will be more enjoyable because you'll be focused on the progress you'll feel in your body each time you go.

Food is a little trickier, but if you simply cut out processed foods (boxed mac n cheese), increase fiber rich foods (sweet potatoes), increase Omega 3 (certain fish and eggs) and HDL foods (avocados and olive oil), reduce sodium and sugar, and dine out less often, you'll be on track.

I have to remind myself that, its not what I want... its what my body wants... and If my body wants to lose it slowly then so be it... the slower it comes off the better of a chance I will keep it off...

I also threw out my scale... and opt'd for a measuring tape instead... I started lifting more weights, because even tho my weight wasn't moving my inches were... it took me three months before I even lost a pound... but in that time I lost almost 9 inches... just stay with it! you will succeed...

remember.. slow and steady wins the race.. this journey is not only about becoming skinny.. its about changing life styles, becoming healthier, and changing your mind frame.

I have written and set goals throughout this process. Health is my main goal, but having events, trips, a party to attend, fitting into a certain size clothes or pair of jeans, lowering my blood pressure, having the energy to hike a big hill, hitting a waist measurement are all part of it. All of these things have helped to keep me motivated on this journey. Step by step, week by week, etc. As I move along I add more goals and celebrate the ones I have achieved. It isn't always easy and I do get discouraged at times. My friends here at MFP have been great to help keep me motivated and supported.

I have to keep remining myself that I didn't gain this weight quickly, so its not going to come off quickly....I also look at the success stories threads and the pictures keep me positive....IT CAN BE DONE, and WE CAN DO IT. Just be patient with yourself, celebrate your success so far instead of feeling bad over what hasn't yet happened. This is a human experience, and we are not perfect....

You're here and you are trying...put that into perspective from before you even considered taking this journey, and you'll see, you've already come a long way.

My nephew is getting married this Fall, and alot of the people that will be there I haven't seen for probably a year or more.
My goal is to WOW everyone with the new me - because I've always been the fat one in the family. Ok, so that's vain - but it's the truth.

I do feel better about myself mentally & physically, and my blood pressure is at a healthy number now, so all my hard work wasn't just for vanity reasons, but having that wedding goal keeps me working hard.

And even if no one says anything - I know they'll notice!! And that will be the best part!!!

Stay strong - YOU are worth the hard work and the struggle and the counting calories and the time spent logging it all in, etc...... ((HUGS))

Everyone has wonderful suggestions. One thing I have always remembered is this: I think of how I used to feel when I would wake up daily and feel like total crap because I'm still fat and ate like **** the day before and didn't exercise. I was feeling unmotivated and always gross and it was always on my mind how fat I am. Now, I'm waking up still heavy, BUT I know I'm doing something about it and that motivates me. Even when I have days where I didn't do so well, I still remember how gross I felt not doing anything. That motivates me to keep going because I have seen results in the way my body has changed, how clothes are looser, how much more energy I have, etc.
I guess what I'm saying is you just got to look at the little things you see even if that scale isn't moving as fast as you want it to.

I watch my dogs. Seriously. They are the most positive creatures on earth, lol.