Success Stories Demotivate Me

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  • BigBoneSista
    BigBoneSista Posts: 2,389 Member

    I have to say there was nothing negative about this at all. A couple of people already mentioned my favorite Henry Ford quote: "Whether you think you can or think you can't - you are right."

    I guess I'm not like others who are inspired by rainbows and flowers. Reaching your physical goals is hard work. Period. That's what makes reaching your goals so much more rewarding and worth it. Like you, Kittyfelz, I'm not at all motivated by success stories. Not that they demotivate me, but they just don't give me that spark or fire I need. Myself, I'm a numbers guy. I track everything, my weight, my body fat %, my heartrate, my VO2max, how much weight I lift, how many miles I ride. And the only thing that motivates me is to see my body numbers go down and my activity numbers to go up. Plain and simple. I don't look to others for support because everybody is different. Everybody reaches their goals differently. I know me. And I'm my biggest competitor, critic, and cheerleader all in one. I'm the person to beat. I'm the 1st person to scream at me like a drill sergeant calling me all sorts of names to push me past my limits. I'm the 1st person to congratulate me when I do. Find what works for you. If success stories affect you negatively, stay away from them. Maybe not wanting to be a failure story can motivate you instead. I know not wanting to be an American statistic is motivation for me. Plus I LOVE motivational quotes, the hardcore kind. They totally pump me up.

    Just find that spark, that fire that gets you going, and use it.

    Vinobi I just sent you a friend request. We are cut from the same cloth.
  • HoneyBadgerVin
    HoneyBadgerVin Posts: 166

    I have to say there was nothing negative about this at all. A couple of people already mentioned my favorite Henry Ford quote: "Whether you think you can or think you can't - you are right."

    I guess I'm not like others who are inspired by rainbows and flowers. Reaching your physical goals is hard work. Period. That's what makes reaching your goals so much more rewarding and worth it. Like you, Kittyfelz, I'm not at all motivated by success stories. Not that they demotivate me, but they just don't give me that spark or fire I need. Myself, I'm a numbers guy. I track everything, my weight, my body fat %, my heartrate, my VO2max, how much weight I lift, how many miles I ride. And the only thing that motivates me is to see my body numbers go down and my activity numbers to go up. Plain and simple. I don't look to others for support because everybody is different. Everybody reaches their goals differently. I know me. And I'm my biggest competitor, critic, and cheerleader all in one. I'm the person to beat. I'm the 1st person to scream at me like a drill sergeant calling me all sorts of names to push me past my limits. I'm the 1st person to congratulate me when I do. Find what works for you. If success stories affect you negatively, stay away from them. Maybe not wanting to be a failure story can motivate you instead. I know not wanting to be an American statistic is motivation for me. Plus I LOVE motivational quotes, the hardcore kind. They totally pump me up.

    Just find that spark, that fire that gets you going, and use it.

    Vinobi I just sent you a friend request. We are cut from the same cloth.

    It takes some pretty big and razor sharp scissors to cut thru that cloth, huh? ;)
  • Kittyfeliz
    Kittyfeliz Posts: 290 Member
    Thank you all. I really do appreciate everyone taking the time to respond. The tough love kinda thing has never really worked on me (just ask my Mom, lol) but I get that people are trying to help. Really I was just wondering if people have been where I've been. I'm not looking for the cliche and uninventive crap about whether I will succeed or not based on my thinking. Obviously I need to change my thinking and I want to, I just need to know that there's those out there that have overcome this and thank you to those that shared their stories, I do feel encouraged a bit now.
  • helloclaire
    helloclaire Posts: 191
    Dear OP,

    I understand you COMPLETELY.

    1. Tough love does not work on me at ALL. My mother claims it does and that's the reason why I've been losing weight the past two weeks, but she doesn't know that her comments almost made me bulimic. I love her, but the tough love thing is pretty awful on the receiving end.

    2. Success stories don't motivate me much either. I am super happy for them and all, too, but it seems surreal to me, you know?

    Keep your head up. You can do this, and you're not alone in your sentiments.
  • Kittyfeliz
    Kittyfeliz Posts: 290 Member
    Exactly clairepoint! I love seeing that they succeeded but it's surreal, I can't even imagine being in there shoes. Thanks for getting it!!
  • gpatwardhan
    gpatwardhan Posts: 11
    When I am feeling low and have self doubts.. I read the "before-after" threads here. Surely makes me feel better!
  • jenomaha
    jenomaha Posts: 631 Member
    Is it just me? I'm obsessed with them and love seeing the changes but I look at the people that have completely transformed and hit their goals and think... That will never be me, I'm not capable of doing what they did.

    I started my journey 3 1/2 years ago when my friends and I arranged a Biggest Loser challenge. I knew zilch about nutrition and exercise. I tracked my food on a piece of paper and used a calculator to add it up as the day went along. I remember crying to my husband and asking "Why is this so hard?" "Why do I have to fight this battle?", "I've reached my calorie limit but I'm still hungry!!!" It was torture!!! But I wanted to win, so I stuck with it. We finished our challenge and I did win. But that isn't my point. Since the challenge, I have made it a point to learn everything I can about health/fitness/nutrition. I still have a lot to learn, but things didn't really click until I was finally in the mindset that this is a lifestyle. Then everything became more clear and managable. Don't get me wrong, I still have my days, but it really does get easier! I still mess up, but I pick myself back up and get right back to it.

    Believe in yourself, set attainable goals, and go for it. Good luck!
  • april522
    april522 Posts: 388 Member
    I love reading success stories; it is VERY inspiring and motivational!
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