1. You haven’t changed your mind.
If your goal sounds something like “I don’t want to be fat”, that may be your problem. Yes, this may actually be your goal but for many it may not be very motivating. An example of how to reframe that goal, “I want see what it feels like to be fit!” Similar goals, different mindset.
2. You’re comparing your new body to your old body.
It’s easy to get in the habit of looking back at those old high school, college, pre-baby, pre-30’s body, asking yourself the question “How did I get here?” Your body has experienced and will probably never exactly what you expect. You can achieve great results by loving your present body, developing self-compassion, and celebrating the small wins.
3. You have an all-or-nothing mentality.
You start a diet, you cheat, you binge (because you’ve already messed up), and you add this to your list of failures. Just because you weren’t perfect on your diet for one day(s), doesn’t mean you have to throw in the towel. Fail forward. Use your mistakes to push and motivate you. Each failure you make is teaching you how to act on the future. Your past failures will give you the data you need to succeed in the future.
4. You’re comparing yourself to other people.
Social media makes it very difficult NOT to compare yourself to others. You see many of your classmates that don’t seem to have gained a single pound since high school, you see social media celebrities that are so toned in all the right areas, you search random inspirational weight loss pictures that should motivate you but only make you realize how difficult the weight loss journey may be. John Acuff said “Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle.” You don’t know what it really took for that person to sculpt their body. Each body is different and reacts to regimens in various ways. Eventually, you will find what works for you.
5. You don’t have any support.
Losing weight is hard for many. It can be frustrating when you don’t see the numbers on the scale move. It can be discouraging when your clothes still don’t fit the way you would like. It can be annoying when other people point out that you’ve gained weight. It can be lonely when you are eating “clean” and others are eating not so clean. Find someone or a group of people that are going through a similar journey. Hire a personal trainer or dietician to jumpstart your weight loss. Find a therapist that will help you find the route cause of your emotional eating. Support can be essential for your journey.
Belema is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Wellness Coach who holds a Master’s degree in Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma. Her mission is to help others, help themselves obtain a healthy mind, body and soul. She understands that each of these entities work together to create a whole, healthy individual. Belema uses her expertise to provide individuals, families and groups with the knowledge needed to reach their optimal mental, physical, spiritual and emotional health goals.
