Motivation question

[angelawillbethinagain]

Ok, so we are here to lose 100 pounds or more... Sometimes that number seems so unreachable, like such a huge goal. In past times it was difficult for me to realize that it is actually possible to lose that much weight. Then I began to set smaller goals for myself. When I would tell myself "I need to lose 100 pounds" I felt doomed for failure. It seemed like such a impossible and unrealistic goal for myself. I know it is possible as I see many people do it! If they can do it, we can do it!!!

I would like to know what keeps you motivated and what you tell yourself as far as your weight loss goals. I know I am atleast 90-100 pounds overweight. When I say that to myself, I immediatly feel intimidated

Would love to know how some of you feel about this and what you do to not feel that way. Do you set mini goals?

[Momof3greatgirls]

Re: Motivation question

I set mini goals. I set them at the "9"'s 299,289,279 ect...I also had to realize and tell myself a LOT that no body ever lost 100 pounds without first losing 1.

Amy

[bradybunch]

Re: Motivation question

hey Angela, when I started I had over two hundred pounds to lose. I understand exactly what you are saying. When I first started I thought 200 pounds is impossible. how can I do this, I have failed miserably at every diet known to man, but when I found this board and the Atkins way of eating something clicked in my head. I then realized I can do this, gosh I hope it works. I never set any goals other than I wanted my weight off in two years. A lot of the members set mini goals but I had so much to lose I just set a long term goal and took off. Sorry to ramble on, My opinion is if you set mini goals or long term goals, you will get there if you follow this way of eating. You can do it, I know you can.

[angelawillbethinagain]

Re: Motivation question

Great advice!! Thank you so much. How about setting mini goals and a long term goal?
Like I would like to lose 10 pounds this month as my mini goal and for my long term goal, I would like to be at the ideal weight for my height which is 5'5. I will not set a time limit for my long term goal as I don't think that is fair to do to myself. If I could not complete that goal, it would be too hard to face the fact that I didn't achieve it. Anybody do a rewards system? Like every 20 pounds, you do something nice for yourself or buy something new?

[CHUBBRUBBKARA]

Re: Motivation question

Yes, I am having a hard time wrapping my mind around the fact that I have over 100lbs to lose. I am just trying not to think that far in advance. It's easier for me to just have mini goals. Since the holidays are coming I think my goals are pretty much associated with that.

My first goal is to fit in the airplane seat when I travel in October/Halloween week. But since I have no idea what that will take, I guess I just hope I can go down a size by then.

After that, I guess a goal would be to lose a size for each holiday. It is probably a pretty unrealistic goal since I would only have one month between each holiday, but I also want to give myself something to strive for.

And, if I lost a size, I could reward myself with a new outfit and maybe some new perfume. Or better yet, some new jewelry.

You definitely aren't alone.

[dreamof145]

Re: Motivation question

I started at 140 pounds to lose. Yes, at first I was fixated on that number and it is the most un-motivating thing to do. I finally realized that if I focused on the inches I'd lost, became involved with the people here and fed myself positive stories/articles/conversation that it changed my attitude. Our attitudes are what keep us going. When I started working on my attitude and started putting my energy into forming a plan and spreading friendship to others on the board...I found that I was happier about my new life-style, my new friends and each and every pound I'd lose. I did the happy dance for each pound as if it were the whole 140. Still do. Because I am learning how to keep it off and once it is gone...it is gone for good.

Anytime we dread something, we lose interest or talk ourself out of accomplishing it. If we are enjoying ourselves...it is the exact opposite. Keep learning from others, share in others accomplishments and plan to make it happen. It will. Anytime you think or do a negative act...learn to react in a positive way. Soon it will be a habit and you'll automatically have positive actions that replace the old negative ones. You have a mountain of support here with people who care.