You’ve decided to take control of your weight. That’s fantastic! This is a journey for not only your body, but also your mind. In order to be most successful at weight management, you’ve got to get your head in the game.
The process of weight management is one of determination and perseverance. It’s not a short-term game or a short-term solution. While some people try to lose weight for an event or situation, weight management is really about one’s long-term health. Therefore, the process is about lifestyle change and shifting your habits.
Strategies to Give You Perseverance
In order to get your head in the game, you’ll need five key strategies to keep you excited about your journey so you’ll stay on track:
Set small, measurable and realistic goals.
A lot of people talk about SMART goals and these are key. If you’re just beginning your journey, start small so that you can maximize your mindset. If you focus on something too grand, you could end up sabotaging your success because of a perceived failure before you start. By starting small and creating incremental goals, you’ll maximize your results.
Be persistent and compassionate when/if you step-off your game.
Don’t see yourself as a failure, and refocus your attention on getting back up when you fall down. So, if you happen to take a bite of that cheesecake, forgive yourself and move on. Holding on to negativity will just hold you back longer. Also, keep yourself in check so this doesn’t happen again. However, if/when it does, don’t hold on to anguish. Release it and get back on track quickly.
Have tools for “the messy middle.”
The beginning and end of any journey is exciting, but the middle is the part you need to get through. Perseverance is key and there will be days when you don’t “feel like it”. When you focus on your goal and take action despite your feelings, you’ll keep yourself in the game much longer. Use tools such as meal planners, fitness/food logs and others to focus on your plan.
Create your non-negotiables.
When you have non-negotiables, you are firm with yourself and there’s no room for emotional decisions. This also helps you stay on track with fierce persistence. For example, getting to the gym three times a week may be a non-negotiable, or saying no to appetizers may be a non-negotiable. Whatever it may be, create your list and this will help you persevere through your journey.
Celebrate your successes.
When you venture onto this path, your brain will most likely tell you what you’ll be missing instead of what you’ll be gaining. You’ll need a mindset shift around perceived successes and how to calculate them.
Also, remember that you CAN do this. Your self-belief is just as important as these tools for persevering and keeping your head in the game. Stay strong and keep moving, no matter what.
About the Author:
Kristin Lloyd, MS, LPC/LMHC, PhD-c has been creating outstanding results for individuals, couples and organizations for over 10 years as a highly-accomplished psychotherapist, transformational mindset mentor, college educator and consultant. She is now leading bariatric patients and candidates through massive mindset shifts to help them create lasting behavioral changes and emotional adjustments for happy and healthy lives. You can find out more about Kristin at www.bariatricmindset.com.
