trying not to give up

Some of the ways I stay motivated:
follow fitspo on tumblr, have a youtube dedicated to following fitness videos and a pinterest where I collect workouts. Also I have posters with photos of people who inspire me and motivational quotes around my lazy area (near my computer, so I see them when I'm slobbing around) and workout area.

I also keep a fitness calendar with a star chart. I write on my intended workouts for the week or fortnight coming, record my actual workouts and I also add reward stickers to it when I've finished a workout. When I get a certain amount of stars I reward myself with something I couldn't normally justify buying. Do you have any friends in real life also looking to lose weight? Exercising together can make it more fun and you're less likely to skip workouts if you know you're letting down a friend.

If sticking to a certain diet is hard, perhaps you could join a group where you share photos of your meals? I know a lot of people use instagram for this to stay accountable.

If you're results orientated, I would recommend taking some start photos and thorough measurements and then keeping track of these over the weeks.. even if you've not lost lbs, you'll usually see a change in your measurements or body shape that can be hard to see in the mirror but is far more obvious in photos.

I'd also recommend writing about good things that have happened because of your lifestyle change. Having a big list of these things (like more energy, better sex life, not feeling bloated.. blah blah ) where you can see them will remind you to keep going even when you have a crappy month and gain or whatever.

This might sound like a lot, sorry if this is too much info! I personally keep most of this stuff in my own health and fitness folder where I keep all my stats, motivational quotes + pics, workouts from magazines etc etc.

Good luck! I've friend requested you btw, if you need any help give me a shout

In reality none of us became overweight overnight and the weight loss won't happen the same way. Also, the quicker you lose weight, or in larger amounts the more likely to re-gain...slow and steady wins the race. And if you fall off the waggon, well..it's not the end of the world. Sometimes I would berate myself and then pig out more but I'm teaching myself to pick myself up and start again.

What I found helps me is breaking my big goal down into smaller goals of 5lb. Its a lot less daunting to concentrate on 5 pounds at a time rather than the whole amount that you have to lose. Feel free to add me as a friend if you want!

Patience is key. And it's hard. As long as you accept this, you can do this.

I second the mini goals, I like the little victories, it keeps me going.

Do something different than previous times. Starting today, I am:
1) Deactivating web sites where I spend time sitting on my butt, accomplishing nothing. MFP will now be my go-to for motivation, tips, anything I can incorporate into my new philosophy.
2) Keeping a journal and affirming to myself every day that I am going to defeat this obesity monster and why.

Since you get discouraged by not seeing results fast, try focusing on the daily behaviors rather than results: make it a goal to eat well and track it all (moderate deficit, 3 viggies and 1-2 fruits, and something you enjoy each day), drink your water, and exercise. Set up a non-food reward system for when you consistently do it for a week, a month, etc.

Then results will follow.

I have lost 66 lbs using MFP... it has taken 13 months.
Patience and time.... time and patience. It is really the key

Trust MFP! It works! I only lost one pound in 3 weeks but didn't give up. Now the weight is coming off nicely.