Is having a scale motivating or frustrating?

It just depends on you. When I first started, I had so much to lose that I was constantly weighing myself. That obviously didn't make me feel any better at the time, but over time, I learned more about my body weighing more regularly. Now I know that our bodies fluctuate pretty drastically at some points for many reasons, and I can see definite trends (intense workout, too much sodium, not enough water, etc.). I am at a place where I have decided that there is no magic number, so it is just a tool for me. If you even think that you are going to fixate on the scale, put it away and get yourself a tape measure. It is better not to start down that road. Good luck with finding what works for you!