A quick Google search will reveal all sorts of tips and tricks for getting (and keeping) motivation to lose weight. There is an old saying that goes something like “the first step of a journey is the most difficult one to take”. This may be true for a lot of things, but I have to tell you that getting a lean belly is not one of them. In fact, it is quite the opposite. Starting a diet and exercise plan is incredibly easy sticking to it until you have reached your goals on the other hand, is quite difficult.
While there are all sorts of things that may help you stay motivated, there is one thing that trumps them all results! If you get on the scale after four weeks of dieting and see that you have lost six pounds, would you not be motivated to keep going? I think you would. Psychology tells us that when there is no reward, there is no behavior. We can extrapolate from this that, if after weeks of strenuous efforts, there is no tangible reward for such behaviors, they will likely be discontinued. The best motivation to lose weight comes from…losing weight.
A Smart Approach
Given the simplicity of the psychology surrounding weight loss, it makes all the sense in the world to take the time to choose an intelligent approach that will result in measurable results. Many folks take a rather casual attitude toward weight loss, and will simply go to the gym a couple times per week and stop eating ice cream when they want to drop a few pounds. For some lucky individuals this will be all it takes, but for the majority of us, a more deliberate and comprehensive approach will be necessary. Since keeping your motivation to lose weight depends in large part of getting promising results, the right approach is a must.
Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail
There are some things in life that you can succeed at without developing a solid plan of action and following it through. Losing weight, in most cases, is not one of them. A well thought out plan will allow you to achieve consistent results. You will have specific diet and exercise objectives to meet each day, so you will always know exactly what you have to do. When you are consistent in your efforts, you will get results which is the way to keep your motivation to lose weight high.
Take Measurements
You will want to have as many ways on tangibly measuring your results as possible to stay aware of any progress being made. Take body measurements, weight yourself, and get your body fat percentage measured before you start your program. Repeat all of these measurements once per month to see how much progress you have made. Looking and feeling better is great, but it is nice to have actual numbers that measure and quantify your accomplishments.
The Takeaway Message
Success breeds motivation. We keep doing things we think we are good at, and stop doing things when we feel like we hit a wall. To build your motivation to lose weight, focus on achieving measurable goals at regular intervals. This will keep you pushing forward toward your ultimate goals.