My passion has always been working with people desiring to be thinner who have failed at one diet after another. Over the years, I’ve come to know one thing for sure – permanent weight loss is possible. There is no quick fix however; it takes time and commitment. With support, guidance, and accurate information my clients are able to lose weight and keep it off without unhealthy dieting and deprivation. What they must bring to the table, however, is commitment.
Making a strong commitment before beginning a weight loss plan is essential. As basic as it sounds, this important first step is very powerful and should not be overlooked. Of all the successful losers I have worked with over the years, not one has achieved their weight loss goal without being truly committed. Below are 5 tips to help you stay committed to your weight loss plan.
Tip # 1: Write down your commitment.
One of the most commonly used strategies among my clients who have been successful at weight loss is putting their commitment in writing. I suggest using this technique to help you increase your chances of success. Think of your commitment as a very important promise you are making to yourself. Write it down and refer back to it at any point along the way if you feel you are losing focus. This will help to inspire you to continue moving forward.
Tip # 2: Learn from your mistakes.
Rather than staying stuck in past failures, take time reflect on what went wrong and use this information to make better choices in the days ahead. To paraphrase a famous quote, failure is your best teacher. Rather than being critical of yourself, reframe any past weight loss attempt as a learning experience that brings you one step closer to your goal. It truly doesn’t matter how many times you’ve failed at weight loss before. You need only be successful once in order to achieve permanent weight loss.
Tip #3: Stay focused on the positive.
Focus on what you’re gaining from losing rather than what you are giving up. No doubt, weight loss is difficult. But, not losing is even more difficult. Make a list of all the benefits you will experience from losing weight: improved health, nicer shape, more self-confidence, increased energy, better social life, more attractive clothes, or whatever applies to you. Whenever you find yourself getting negative about your weight loss plan, pull out your list and read it as if you were reading it for the first time. Remind yourself every day, 100 times a day if necessary, of the benefits of weight loss.
Tip #4: Plan for success.
Set yourself up for success everyday by creating small achievable goals. Staying committed to even one small goal everyday will lead to big success in the days ahead. And remember, success is contagious. The better you do today, the better you feel tomorrow. And the better you feel tomorrow, the better you will do the next day – and so on. Remarkably, this cycle of doing good and feeling good will lead you to your personal best weight quicker than any fad diet.
Tip #5: Seek out support.
Don’t go it alone. Seek out the support of a trusted friend or qualified health professional who is sensitive to your weight issues and health goals. Having a good support system can help you stay true to your commitment and increase your chances of long-term success.
With a strong commitment and armed with accurate information, guidance, and support – anyone can achieve permanent weight loss. If you are committed, you can too. Make it happen!
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Until next time, eat and be well!
Lorraine Matthews-Antosiewicz, MS RD
I wish I knew what to do next. NutriSystem is a no brainer. I am looking for another no brainer. I guess I will just have to use my brain. When I was on NutriSystem a year ago, I did lose 20 pounds. I felt that it took a couple of months or more to clear my system of the chemicals in the pre-packaged food. I do not know if this was real or imagined. Now they offer 10 of the 28 days monthly with frozen selections for the same cost as I paid previously. I know this is not the best solution for me, however, it works and I was eating salads regularly. Fruit too. I am not making those selections now. I have a Health Master that I can use to emulsify anything. I am not using that right now either. If I was on the go most of the time, I might think this was okay. Time is a factor but I have to come up with the motivation myself. I just want to make better choices more of the time! I do need to lose at least 58 pounds. I would like to lose 60-70 pounds and keep it off. Good luck to me!
Hi Cheryl. Thanks for your comment. I certainly can appreciate your struggle. Without a doubt, weight loss is challenging. I agree that if you can focus on making better choices more often, you will continually move in the direction of your goal. Healthy weight loss takes time, but you can do it. Good Luck to You! Keep me posted.
These steps are very helpful when taking on the tough task of reprograming yourself to lose weight for the long haul. Long term success comes down to lifestyle changes by focusing on the small success and gaining momentum from that will help keep you focused.
Best Regards,
ADW
Thanks Ashlin. Your comments are very insightful. I appreciate the feedback.
These steps are very true when taking on the tough task of reprograming yourself for weight loss. When loosing weight for the long haul you need to map out your long term goals, because ultimate success comes down to lifestyle changes. By focusing on small success and gaining momentum from them you can better assist yourself in the battle. Keep focus and stay motivated.
I agree Ahlin. Losing weight and keeping it off is a way of life. Thank you for your comment.
You really gave me so much great commitment tips ..that doesn’t only help in losing weight but also in the rest of the tasks in our lives o_Oo_O
Glad to help, Ibrahim. Best wishes and stay committed!
Cool article 🙂 I really agree with the part of writing down your commitment.
Also, in my opinion finding your “why” is super important – that has a lot to do with what you write about not really wanting it.
If you don’t know exactly what the purpose of your desired actions is, then you are less likely to go through with it.
Our brain needs a trigger – a tipping point – where it is no longer an optional, nice thing to be switching your habits. At this point, our desired actions become more than desires. They become a MUST – something we cannot live without.
When this happens, we are much more likely to stick to our habits. And sometimes this “why” arrives naturally (like “I HAVE TO lose weight before my wedding), but other times we need to specifically look into ourselves and locate this WHY.
To support your “why”, I also believe that visualization can be a great tool. Imagine how happy you will be when you have reached your goal. And then remember that what doesn’t challenge you, doesn’t change you – it has to be challenging!
I’m actually starting up a Motivational Program that is designed to get the small group of 10 participants into a set of new, sustainable habits – and the “Why” is a big part of this program.
It’s a group of 10 women that support each other in kick-starting 2016 and becoming better versions of themselves. I’m super excited about it